Anutin is set to enter the military command headquarters for intensive talks on the Thai-Cambodian border issues before discussions tonight with Trump and Anwar. He emphasized the caretaker government has full authority and plans to ask the Election Commission whether a cabinet meeting can be held in Songkhla. He denied any wink to Hun Sen and affirmed that parliament dissolution will follow the party leader's decision.
At 10:10 a.m. on 12 December 2025 GMT+7, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul gave an interview at the Government House regarding his recent phone conversation with United States President Donald Trump. He said, "Yes, tonight at 9:20 p.m. Thai time. The discussion will mainly be questioning and updating the situation. The last time I spoke with him was during the royal visit to China almost a month ago, so an update is necessary." He added that decision-making is the responsibility of the Thai government, which supports and authorizes the Thai military to act accordingly.
When asked about public confidence after the parliament dissolution, especially among people living in the Thai-Cambodian border areas and whether the situation might prolong, Anutin responded that the caretaker government has full authority, with some exceptions. If exceptions are necessary, approval must be sought from the Election Commission. Otherwise, if the matter is not urgent, there is no problem. He explained that following the timeline, the 60-day period might not be exact; if it falls on a Sunday, then it will be that day. The election certification process takes about 4-5 days, and forming a cabinet takes another month. The government’s term will end after the new cabinet has been sworn in. Overall, this process will take about 5-6 months.
When asked if the border situation will be resolved before the election, Anutin said they must make it happen. The military is already working to protect sovereignty. Regarding the report that Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate, declared a ceasefire, Anutin asked when the ceasefire began, saying he has not received that information. After this, he will go to the Thai military command because tonight he has to talk with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and U.S. President Donald Trump. He will also listen to the military’s operational summary. Asked about suspicions that the timing of the parliament dissolution aligns with reports that Hun Sen ordered a ceasefire, leading to perceptions of collusion between the Thai government and Cambodia, Anutin stated,
"There is no such thing. I dissolved parliament because the party leader told me to, so I did." When asked if he has received reports about Thai nationals quarantined at the Poipet checkpoint, Anutin confirmed he had. Security authorities will handle assistance. When asked about lending a plane to Ben Smith, Anutin only glanced at reporters without responding. Regarding whether elections can be held nationwide given the border situation, Anutin said,
"That depends on the Election Commission. As a caretaker government, we still have status under the constitution and hold cabinet meetings every Tuesday. On 23 December, there will be a mobile cabinet meeting in Songkhla to ensure confidence and emphasize the importance of economic recovery and relief in Songkhla, a province with great potential and opportunities. The government continues its normal duties, only without parliament until the new government takes the oath." .
