Prime Minister Anutin Dismisses Cambodian Leader’s Comments on Border Closure
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul recently addressed remarks made by Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, who claimed that Cambodia would not be affected even if the Thai-Cambodian border remained closed for another “500 years.” When asked about these comments, Mr. Anutin stated, “I haven’t read them.”
Hun Sen shared his views on Facebook, asserting that Cambodia had never requested Thailand to reopen border crossings. He emphasized that the closure was a unilateral decision by Thailand and argued that it had actually created opportunities for Cambodian products to replace Thai imports.
When questioned about whether Hun Sen’s firm stance might affect the peace process along the border, Mr. Anutin reiterated that he had not read the post. He also dismissed the idea that Thailand was following Cambodia’s lead, especially after Hun Sen’s public messages on social media.
“Everyone has their own style of working,” he said. “If anyone claims we’re following them, I suggest they read the Joint Declaration on Peace Between Thailand and Cambodia. Tell me, where exactly are we following?”
Peace Mission to Malaysia and Territorial Protection
Mr. Anutin defended his recent peace mission to Malaysia, where he and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet signed a peace declaration. The agreement was facilitated by Malaysia as the ASEAN chair. The prime minister stated that his goal was to ensure peace and safety for Thais, not to make territorial concessions.
“I went there to stop the war,” Mr. Anutin said. “As prime minister, I cannot lead the country into conflict. I joined the signing to make sure Thailand will never lose its territory or sovereignty. The declaration clearly defines what belongs to Thailand — there’s no point where we traded anything away.”
He added that the four core principles he presented to the Cambodian side were clear and aimed at protecting Thai lives and property.
“Since I became prime minister, not a single bullet has crossed from their side. No explosions, no rockets, no injuries to our soldiers. The border remains closed, but Thailand has lost nothing,” he said.
Royal Thai Navy’s Commitment to Border Agreements
Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Navy reaffirmed its commitment to agreements under the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC). The navy reported continued progress in landmine clearance and the construction of security infrastructure along the frontier.
Adm Thadawut Thatphitakkul, chief of staff, stated that the navy’s operations in Trat were being carried out in accordance with GBC frameworks.
Ongoing Efforts for Regional Stability
The ongoing dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia highlights the importance of maintaining regional stability. While tensions have occasionally flared, both nations have shown a willingness to engage in diplomatic efforts to prevent further conflict.
The recent peace declaration signed in Malaysia is seen as a significant step toward reinforcing mutual trust and ensuring that the border remains peaceful. This effort underscores the role of ASEAN in mediating disputes and promoting cooperation among member states.
Key Points from the Prime Minister’s Remarks
- Dismissing Cambodian Statements: Prime Minister Anutin chose not to engage directly with Hun Sen’s comments, emphasizing that he had not read them.
- Peace Mission Significance: The visit to Malaysia was framed as a critical step to prevent conflict and protect national interests.
- Territorial Integrity: Mr. Anutin stressed that the peace declaration did not compromise Thailand’s sovereignty or territorial claims.
- Military Readiness: The Royal Thai Navy continues to work within established frameworks to ensure border security and safety.