Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is not the cause of fighting or disputes. He views it as beneficial since current technology helps determine border markers more clearly. He emphasized that Thailand uses the 1:50,000 scale map as the standard for defining borders.
26 Jan 2026 GMT+7 Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, gave an interview after visiting the border areas of Ta Phraya district and Ban Nong Chan in Sa Kaeo province, saying this was his first time visiting the area under the First Army Region. Previously, the situation was not conducive, and there was concern that his visit might burden those on duty, especially regarding security.
The Prime Minister added that the visit was to inspect and boost morale for personnel. The area is similar to the lower northeastern region in terms of border security. The army and related agencies are fully capable and ready to manage the area effectively and maintain control.
When asked if there was any significance in the Prime Minister taking photos with the Thai flag at every site he visited, he replied, "Everyone takes pride in being Thai. Wherever the Thai flag waves, especially in areas we've regained control and returned to Thailand, people feel pride. There is no other meaning. Even if I came alone, I would want to take photos to keep as a source of pride and encouragement for those involved in planning operations. There is no other significance."
Regarding any remaining concerns from today's visit, the Prime Minister said they have nearly completed aid for residents affected by the fighting. Next steps include extending assistance for damaged homes, property, and livestock as much as possible. Budget is already allocated, so no new measures are needed. They will gather support and have residents register for aid, with compensation varying—especially higher amounts for the injured, disabled, or families of the deceased. However, he acknowledged that no amount can fully compensate for losses.
After seeing the situation firsthand, the Prime Minister said that overall, they feel the area is very safe. In places formerly problematic but now under control, former residents have returned to their countries, while Thai personnel remain in secure zones. He sees no expected problems. The military is prepared and confident they can maintain security for the people. At Ban Nong Chan, near the Nanta Wong base, the army informed him it was built to honor fallen soldiers, and their names should be recorded for future generations to respect and admire.
. Regarding the 2000 MOU, he was asked whether there would be serious consideration of its impact on border areas in the future. The Prime Minister responded, "There has been progress concerning the 2000 MOU, but it is not the root cause of fighting or conflict. We have continuously discussed border demarcation, working on uncontested areas all along, which has been beneficial. Recently, we agreed to use technology to define border markers more clearly, allowing for more precise verification. We ask only that it be mutually accepted. Thailand insists on using the 1:50,000 scale map clearly as our standard and benchmark for defining the country's borders." .