Anutin dismisses Cambodia's 'trespassing' threat over border visit

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has brushed aside reports suggesting Cambodia might pursue legal action against him following his recent visit to Chong An Ma, a disputed border region in Ubon Ratchathani.

Anutin asserted that his visit adhered to the law and was conducted in accordance with a joint agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. He questioned Cambodia's claims, stating, "I have the joint statement, signed by the leaders of both countries. What should I say? Really."

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I have the joint statement, signed by the leaders of both countries. What should I say? Really.

Responding to Cambodia's allegations of trespassing on Aug. 23, Anutin insisted that the visit was conducted in accordance with the joint statement. He added that if Cambodia follows the joint statement, discussions can take place. "I don't know how we can have talks, but if they don't, they don't," he said.

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If they don't, they don't. But if they do, we can have talks.

Anutin also cited a joint statement from the third General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, signed on Dec. 27, 2025. This statement requires both sides to maintain their positions and avoid provocative actions. He noted that Cambodia had unilaterally declared an area as its sovereign territory before the statement was signed.

Lt. Gen. Prapas Sonsuk, director and assistant commander of the Cambodia-Thailand Situation Information Center, stated that Cambodia's claims should not be used to threaten military action or arrests. He emphasized that both countries should use agreed-upon mechanisms to build peace and that Thailand is ready for talks.

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Thailand is ready to talk, use the agreed mechanisms, and build peace.