Anutin shrugs off Cambodian call to arrest him over border visit

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Wednesday brushed off a call in Cambodia for legal action against him over his recent visit to a disputed border area, saying he had acted in accordance with Thai law and a bilateral Joint Statement.

Anutin was responding to a commentary published by The Phnom Penh Post after his 23 August visit to Chong An Ma in Ubon Ratchathani province. The commentary said Cambodian authorities should file charges and seek an arrest warrant against the Thai prime minister for allegedly trespassing on Cambodian territory.

“Really? What should I say?” Anutin said when asked about the reported call.

“I followed the law. I have the Joint Statement, signed by the leaders of both countries,” he said.

Anutin was also asked about Cambodia’s criticism of his recent inspections of military readiness along the border.

He said Thailand was acting in accordance with the Joint Statement, which calls for both sides to remain in their current positions.

“If they follow the Joint Statement too, it will lead to discussions. But if they don’t, I don’t know how we can hold discussions,” Anutin said.

The prime minister’s comments came amid continued tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, with both sides maintaining differing positions over disputed areas and the implementation of their bilateral commitments.