Anutin acknowledged that Trump wants a ceasefire but explained that Cambodia must be told. He insisted that Thailand is not the aggressor and is not a country where anyone can do whatever they want. Thailand must protect its people, and no one desires war or loss. He noted that U.S. tax negotiations are showing positive signs.
At 22:00 on 12 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, gave an interview after updating U.S. President Donald Trump on the Thailand-Cambodia border situation. Their nearly 20-minute discussion began at 21:26, followed by a joint press conference with Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Minister of Commerce Supachai Sutthumpan at the Dome Thong Room, Thai Khu Fah Building, Government House.
The Prime Minister stated that he spoke with President Trump by phone, joined by their respective foreign ministers and Supachai. The conversation was cordial, with President Trump expressing concern and a desire to return to the original position outlined in the Joint Declaration signed in Malaysia. Anutin affirmed Thailand’s strict adherence to the declaration, never breaching its terms, while Cambodia violated it. When violations occur, such as failure to withdraw forces, discussions are necessary to enforce compliance. However, if violations cause Thai casualties or property loss, Thailand must respond to defend its sovereignty, territory, citizens’ property, and lives. This explanation was necessary to prevent misunderstanding Thailand as the aggressor in Cambodia.
“We are not a country where anyone can come and do whatever they want. This is what I have already told reporters. I believe those not party to the agreement between Thailand and Cambodia might rely on one-sided information, but they must also hear from Thailand, the party first attacked.”
When asked about discussing Thailand’s upcoming elections with the U.S., the Prime Minister responded by questioning why elections should be linked to sovereignty or national defense. The priority is preventing harm and loss of life among soldiers and civilians from Cambodian aggression involving gunfire and explosives. Politics and elections are insignificant compared to the lives of Thai people living along the border.
Regarding what Trump said after hearing the update, the Prime Minister said the President understood and encouraged direct communication between the foreign ministers of Thailand and the U.S. at any time. Trump also said to call him if needed. Anutin believed it would not escalate to that extent, as Thailand is handling the situation well and Foreign Minister Sihasak regularly communicates with U.S. counterparts at various levels.
When asked if the U.S. has pressured Thailand to cease fire, Anutin responded: “They want a ceasefire. I told them to tell our friends that just saying ‘stop firing’ is not enough. They must publicly declare that Cambodia will stop shooting, withdraw forces, and clear all planted explosives. Thailand has remained passive and never sought to take anything from them. They must halt all actions first. The military has reported this would reach a critical point. When we were clearing explosives under the declaration, we encountered many that Cambodia would not allow us to remove. We cleared them for 2-3 weeks with ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) witnesses from ASEAN countries. The explosives that caused injuries and deaths to our soldiers were confirmed in writing as newly planted bombs, clearly showing Cambodia violated the agreement. Therefore, those who breach the agreement must fix it, not the victim. This is a universal principle everyone must understand.”
When asked if Cambodia insists the area they occupy belongs to them and refuses to withdraw, Anutin said that although the territory may belong to Cambodia, the Joint Declaration requires joint humanitarian clearance of dangerous landmines. Minister Sihasak added that the area Cambodia claims must be cleared collaboratively.
Regarding the contested Ta Kway area where Cambodia refuses to withdraw, Anutin said he does not interfere with military operational details such as which points to seize or objectives. The military has plans and conducts operations, briefing the public daily. The three ministers focus on policy and ways to improve the situation for the country's benefit.
“I do not want war either. No one desires conflict or deaths, whether Thai or foreign. But Thailand’s sovereignty, territory, and people must be protected. If I were Prime Minister, I would not allow harassment, violations, or ambushes against Thai citizens due to political discord among leaders, when those citizens have no part in such disputes. I cannot accept that either.”
On U.S. tax negotiations, the Prime Minister revealed that President Trump said he would remove certain tariffs and ensure Thailand gets better treatment than other countries. Due to busy schedules, the issue was overlooked during their previous meeting. Thailand is fulfilling its duties, and when Minister Supachai negotiates, those points will be raised again. Trump will certainly remember this time, as it is their second discussion. The outlook is positive. Trump himself brought up the topic, and Anutin responded that Thailand is still waiting for greater tariff reductions. “He apologized, saying yes, he remembers but was very busy and will take action.” He did not pressure or attempt to link the issues. Minister Supachai must work hard in negotiations.
The conflict involves two countries. Both President Trump and the Malaysian Prime Minister want no loss of life, sharing the same goal as us. No one wants conflict. Soldiers at the border perform their duties within set parameters. However, we cannot disclose operational details about combat or competitions with others. Everyone must proceed accordingly. It is confirmed that all actions comply with Thai and international law, with no violations by Thailand. Thailand can confidently inform world leaders that it has never breached any agreements nor invaded neighboring territories.
When asked if Thailand still has time to reclaim territory, the Prime Minister said that a joint meeting with all military commanders and the Permanent Secretary of Defense affirmed confidence, clarity, and mutual support with a common goal. He concluded his remarks to the media before leaving the podium. “Have a good weekend.”
Reporters pressed further, asking if Trump mentioned when he would speak with Cambodia. The Prime Minister said he told Trump to inform the other side since they are the violators. Regarding Cambodia appearing ready to cease fire, but if Thailand stops while fighting continues, how many more days remain? Anutin said the meaning of 'success' is unclear; how many more people must be shot? Cambodia has not yet ceased fire. Minister Sihasak added that ceasefire is considered a strategy.
. (This part only contains a fragment or question marker, no translatable content.) When asked why Trump chose to speak with Thailand first, the Prime Minister said he believed Trump had already talked to Cambodia, as it did not appear he spoke to Thailand first. Cambodia provided false information portraying Thailand as the aggressor. Thailand’s use of air forces might appear aggressive since the other side did not object, but Thailand is responding, not attacking.
When asked if the U.S. trusts Thailand’s stance, the Prime Minister replied: “Thailand is a sovereign country. They must trust us. I speak not just as Anutin but on behalf of the Thai government. The government’s statements must be credible internationally; otherwise, we cannot stand on the world map.” He departed the Government House at 22:20.