Pictures courtesy of TNR

Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dismissed rumours of a third round of fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border, saying the military has found no signs of escalating conflict or violence. Speaking on January 27, 2026, Anutin said he had been informed during a visit to Sa Kaeo province the previous day that while Cambodian forces have built additional trenches close to the border, the situation remains calm. His remarks were intended to reassure the public amid heightened concern over border security.

The comments follow recent tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, which have led to increased scrutiny of military movements along the frontier. Anutin said both countries have held discussions to address actions that had raised suspicion and stressed the importance of adhering to the agreement signed on December 27. That agreement governs conduct along the border and is aimed at preventing misunderstandings from escalating into confrontation.

Addressing questions about Cambodia’s approach to landmine clearance, Anutin noted that Cambodia has avoided clearing mines on the Thai side of the border while undertaking such work along borders with other neighbouring countries. He said Thai troops are remaining within national boundaries and that, in the absence of threats, Cambodia must act according to the agreement. He added that the pact on “humanitarian mine clearance” is binding not only between Thailand and Cambodia but also in line with international obligations.

“The term ‘humanitarian mine clearance’ is binding on both countries and if either side finds landmines planted anywhere, immediate action can be taken without consulting the other,” Anutin said. He emphasised that Thailand would clear any mines found, particularly in areas under Thai sovereign control, to ensure safety and compliance with international norms.

Concerns have also been raised about Cambodia digging trenches approximately 500 metres from the border in an area where heavy fighting previously took place. Anutin acknowledged these concerns but said each country has the right to build defences within its own territory. He added that Thailand would likewise defend its territory while maintaining its stance of not interfering in the sovereignty of others or allowing infringements on its own.

ThaiNewsRoom reported that Thai authorities are expected to continue monitoring the border situation closely through military channels and ongoing dialogue with Cambodia. The emphasis, Anutin said, remains on restraint, adherence to existing agreements, and maintaining stability along the border through communication rather than confrontation.

Key Takeaways

• Anutin Charnvirakul said on January 27 there are no signs of escalating violence along the Thai-Cambodian border.

• Thailand and Cambodia are expected to adhere to the December 27 agreement, including commitments on humanitarian mine clearance.

• Both countries maintain the right to defend their own territory while respecting each other’s sovereignty.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thainewsroom 2026-01-28

 

 

Communication rather than confrontation!

I appreciate caretaker Prime Minister Anutin’s measured and diplomatic tone in addressing these border concerns.

At moments of heightened tension, public statements from leaders can either inflame passions or pave the way for calm.

Anutin’s remarks are commendable in that they emphasize restraint, adherence to agreed protocols, and ongoing dialogue.

His focus on the binding nature of the December 27 agreement, especially regarding humanitarian mine clearance, is crucial. It frames the issue not as a bilateral contest, but within the context of shared international obligations and human safety.

It also acknowledges each nation's right to build defences within its own territory, while firmly stating Thailand's commitment to its own sovereignty.

For me, this strikes the necessary balance of firmness without provocation.

Let's hope Cambodia is amenable to what Anutin is saying here. The real test of the December 27 agreement will be genuine communication and demonstrated acts of good faith from both countries.

This approach is the only way to achieve a lasting peace. But, it's one thing to simply talk about it - let's hope both sides are prepared to walk it too!

Listen to this video dated December 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=horPUEr_BgM As China gains more influence, especially with its bordering countries, the USA wants to counter this influence with a "proxy" war between these countries to divert Chinese attention, and resources.

The description below the videos reads: " Contrary to what other news outlets may suggest, the escalating Cambodia–Thailand border conflict is not a mere regional dispute that sparked up out of nowhere, but rather the result of U.S. involvement, with just one piece of evidence being the docking of U.S. warships in Cambodia for the first time in years. Jimmy and Americans’ Comedian Kurt Metzger argue that Cambodia’s recent pivot toward closer military ties with the United States—highlighted by its U.S.-educated leadership—is being framed as part of a broader strategy to create pressure points around China’s periphery. Jimmy compares the situation to Ukraine, asserting both conflicts function as U.S.-backed proxy confrontations driven by economic and geopolitical interests rather than local self-defense. Overall, the segment portrays the fighting as an example of U.S. “color revolution” tactics that destabilize regions while insulating American elites from the consequences".

As sensible a statement as I have ever heard from a Thai politician. Were it not for Carney’s speech at Davos recently, as sensible a statement as I have ever heard from any politician.