Anutin Says Border Reopening Would Anger Thais

Anutin Says Border Reopening Would Anger Thais

KAZAN,June 19, 2026 – Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he briefly spoke with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia meeting in Kazan, but said reopening border crossings was not discussed as Thailand continues to closely monitor the situation along the frontier.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Anutin described the encounter as an informal conversation that lasted only a short time because of the leaders’ schedules.

“It was just pulling each other aside by the elbow,” he said, referring to the brief exchange.

According to Anutin, both leaders reiterated that neither country wanted conflict and discussed Thailand’s position on border issues, including its commitment to mechanisms under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as bilateral frameworks such as the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) and the General Border Committee (GBC).

Anutin said Thailand remained closely monitoring developments along the border amid continuing tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

Asked whether he had raised the possibility of reopening border crossings with Hun Manet, Anutin laughed off the suggestion, saying he had no intention of bringing up the issue because “Thai people would be furious.”

The comments come as border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia remain under close public and political scrutiny, while both governments continue to pursue diplomatic mechanisms to manage their differences.

Khaosod English reported the remarks following Anutin’s comments to Thai media.