Thai - Cambodia Conflict Thai Troops Raise Flag on Phu Ma Khuea After Cambodian Forces Defeated

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

The Royal Thai Army has released images of the national flag being raised triumphantly atop Phu Ma Khuea, following a successful military operation in which Thai troops reclaimed the summit from entrenched Cambodian forces. The operation, which began in earnest on the evening of 25 July, resulted in the reported deaths of at least ten Cambodian soldiers and the seizure of a significant cache of military equipment.

 

According to a statement issued by the Army Region 2 command at 09:20 on 26 July, Thai forces successfully cleared 90% of Phu Ma Khuea and planted the Thai flag at its highest point. The remaining 10% of the area is expected to be fully secured by the afternoon of 26 July, with operations targeting key Cambodian installations including a cable car system, radar masts and metal stairways constructed on the Thai side of the mountain.

 

Heavy weapons and demolition teams have been mobilised to assist in neutralising these structures. A fresh infantry company is being deployed to secure the forward line, allowing the troops involved in the initial assault to rest and regroup.

 

Colonel Ritcha Suksuwanon, Deputy Spokesman for the Royal Thai Army, confirmed that the operation had been a success and that the Thai flag had been raised on the summit following a fierce engagement. Cambodian forces, who had been occupying the area in violation of Thai sovereignty, were reportedly well-entrenched, but ultimately overwhelmed.

 

Despite the Thai victory, the situation remains tense. Cambodian artillery units began shelling the area in an apparent effort to retake the position. A renewed attack occurred at 03:30 on 26 July, as reported by the official Facebook page “Royal Thai Army: Real-Time Updates.” However, by 08:45, the page triumphantly declared: “Phu Ma Khuea secured. Thai flag raised. National anthem sung loud and proud. Our sovereignty shall not be trampled.”

 

The mountain, located in Sisaket Province near the contentious Thai-Cambodian border, is of strategic significance due to its elevation and proximity to military installations. Thai authorities have long maintained that Phu Ma Khuea lies well within Thai territory, a position challenged by periodic incursions from Cambodian troops.

 

While Thai forces continue to consolidate their hold on the mountain, Cambodian retaliation remains a real and present risk. Army officials say they are fully prepared to repel any further attempts to reclaim the territory.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-26

 

 

 

 

[bdenner]

I assume this is where the missile attack on the PTT/7Eleven came from which is about 22 km to the North. Still 60 km from the Laos border so who knows where from/who got that wrong.

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Cambodian General Killed by Artillery Fire in Clashes at Phu Ma Khuea

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

Major General Duong Somneang, commander of Cambodia’s 7th Division, has been killed by artillery fire during early clashes with Thai forces near Phu Ma Khuea and Chong Ta Thao.

 

According to reports received on 26 July, fighting broke out before dawn as Cambodian troops attempted to advance on Phu Makuea, a strategic highland area long contested by both sides. Thai forces successfully repelled the incursion, holding their positions and pushing Cambodian troops back beyond the disputed zone.

 

As the battle intensified, Cambodian forces launched a counteroffensive in an attempt to reclaim lost ground. It was during this exchange that Major General Duong Somneang was fatally struck by Thai artillery fire in the vicinity of Chong Ta Thao–Phu Makuea.

 

Multiple Cambodian soldiers were reportedly killed during the engagement, though official figures have not been confirmed by Cambodian authorities.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-26

 

 

 

 

[Will B Good]

 

 

What the hell was a General doing that close to the action?

[DezLez]

2 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

What the hell was a General doing that close to the action?

Leading from the front!

[TedG]

6 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

What the hell was a General doing that close to the action?

He is not French. 

[edwinchester]

If Cambodian armed forces are anything like Thailand there's another couple of thousand Generals waiting to take his place.