Bangkok: Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul returned to Bangkok on Friday morning following the special ASEAN-Russia Summit in Kazan, Russia, where he addressed security precautions amid drone strikes on Moscow and detailed a brief side-line discussion with Cambodia's leader over border issues.
According to Thai News Agency, during the summit in Kazan, Ukraine launched military operations utilizing drone strikes targeting Moscow and surrounding areas. Anutin confirmed that Thai nationals in Russia are safe, adding that he had consulted with the Thai Ambassador in Moscow, who remains fully prepared to assist citizens in case of emergencies.
Addressing regional security, Anutin disclosed that he held a brief, informal discussion with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. He described the encounter as a limited, short conversation.
Anutin emphasized Thailand's firm stance regarding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and bilateral frameworks, including the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) and the General Border Committee (GBC).
According to Anutin, if UNCLOS mechanisms lean toward compulsory conciliation, Thailand will halt negotiations under those frameworks, adhering to pre-established government guidelines. He noted that Thailand has appointed representatives to evaluate the process, stating, "If we agree with it, we accept it; if we do not, we will not accept it."
The Prime Minister reiterated that both leaders expressed a shared desire to avoid conflict, acknowledging that recent border developments have weighed heavily on the sentiments of both Thai and Cambodian citizens. He affirmed that Thai security forces remain on high alert along the border.