Rom views Anutin's handling of the Thai-Cambodian border issue as putting Thailand at a disadvantage. He assigns homework to the Foreign Minister, saying recent efforts have been weak, and calls for proactive communication. Rom rebuts critics who say the People's Party only focuses on constitutional amendments and elections, mocking other parties for more aggressively poaching MPs instead.
At 4:30 p.m. on 13 December 2025 GMT+7, at the grassy field of Srinakharinwirot University Prasarnmit Campus, the People's Party (PP) held the “People's Party Picnic Meeting the People” event. Party leaders and executives, both past and present, gathered together, including Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, Chair of the Progressive Movement and former Future Forward Party leader; Pita Limjaroenrat, former Move Forward Party leader; Chaitawat Tulathon, former Move Forward Party leader; and Natthapong Ruangpanyawut, current People's Party leader. The event symbolized an opportunity to openly talk with supporters, listen to all opinions and criticisms, and personally apologize for failing to amend the constitution. A number of citizens also attended.
Rangsit Rom, former party-list MP of the People's Party. Before the event began, Rangsit Rom was interviewed regarding social concerns that the People's Party is more focused on constitutional amendments and election preparations than on the public. He said this does not mean that prioritizing the constitution implies neglecting issues of scammers and security problems. Choosing one does not mean abandoning the other. Regarding election preparations, he noted that other parties are heavily recruiting MPs, making elections a priority for them too. Therefore, accusing the People's Party of ignoring public safety or security work is a false narrative without basis in truth.
"I assure the public that today, security work is of utmost importance, and cracking down on gray capital is something we must seize the opportunity to do. We must prevent politicians who serve as proxies for criminals—the gray and black operatives—from sitting in parliament with state power to protect the gray capital trying to take over Thailand."
Meanwhile, Rangsit also spoke about the Thai-Cambodian border situation and the case when U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media that a Thai soldier stepping on a landmine was an accident. He expressed his condolences for the loss and the hardship of displaced people. As a former politician and ex-chair of the Parliamentary Committee on State Security, Border Affairs, National Strategy, and National Reform, he viewed the situation with concern, noting that clashes have escalated, including the use of drones.
Rangsit further stated that, frankly, security agencies have already assessed the likely escalation paths, which are increasingly difficult to prevent. However, with proper preparation, readiness and response are possible. The military is aware of this, but he is unsure how well equipment support was provided before intense clashes began. He emphasized the need to clearly define that the Thai-Cambodian conflict focuses on protecting the people and territorial integrity. Therefore, multiple fronts must be addressed—not only the military but also crime issues, which are reportedly supported by state actors aiming to destabilize the country. Additionally, diplomacy plays a crucial role.
He expressed concern over comments from Anutin stating that the U.S. believes certain facts, which are unfavorable to Thailand. As an opposition party member, Rom has long worried because the border issue is not between Thailand and other countries, but specifically between Thailand and Cambodia, and it must be resolved. Any increased conflict would make managing this crisis more difficult. Thus, a strategy should be made to isolate Cambodia internationally, not Thailand. The government must seize this chance to address the frontlines of this issue. The military defends the border, but the government must improve efforts in diplomacy and cracking down on scammers.
Rangsit said Anutin's current approach is truly inadequate, causing Thailand to lose advantages it should have. This has created an atmosphere of the world isolating Cambodia, not Thailand. Ultimately, he worries that if the government continues to manage the situation this way, Thailand may not be in the best possible position. Regarding overall truth, he is unsure who is truthful because he was not present in the discussions. He mentioned reports of a ceasefire at 10 p.m., which he understands came from the Malaysian Prime Minister. Amid confusion, the government must provide facts to the public clearly, ensure Thailand is in the best position with the most allies, and isolate Cambodia—that is the government's mission.
When asked what advice he would give to the acting Foreign Minister at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Rangsit revealed that Thailand holds several advantages while Cambodia has none. Yet, information and foreign affairs seem to favor Cambodia more than Thailand, which the Foreign Minister must address. It is essential to clarify that Cambodia violated agreements and that Thailand is not the aggressor or peace breaker, but Cambodia initiated the conflict. Without this clarity, Thailand will not maintain its advantage. The world must understand that Cambodia is trying to divert attention from solving the scammer problem; otherwise, Thailand, being the larger country, might be seen as the culprit. Initially, the Foreign Ministry’s work seemed good, but now appears weak, so communication and outreach must be increased and diversified.
"Today, we must question what Anutin's goals are. Protecting the people and territorial integrity must continue, but the battlefield is not limited to that area. Using logic, facts, and data—not emotions—we must understand the conflict extends beyond that point. Losing on other fronts could trigger a domino effect. Therefore, Anutin must have a strategy for diplomatic, crime-fighting, and communication fronts. Weakening these will strengthen Cambodia."
He said he does not know how the situation will end but stressed the need to share truthful information with the public about the escalation level. He acknowledged the frontline violence is severe, with 3,000 cheap drones prepared, information already known to the military. He hopes the government will support efforts to fully protect territorial integrity and citizens. He accepted that fighting will involve losses but does not want frontline youths to suffer casualties, so he urges providing maximum protective equipment for their lives.