Foreign Minister Sihasak declared Thailand is prepared to defend its sovereignty if Cambodia intentionally fires across the border, emphasizing efforts to negotiate a sustainable ceasefire. He also noted plans to engage ASEAN in restoring relations with Myanmar, hoping Myanmar will advance peace within its country.
At 10:00 a.m. on 2 February 2026 at the Government House, Mr. Sihasak Puangkaew, Minister of Foreign Affairs, chaired a meeting of the Special Committee managing the situation arising from unrest in Myanmar. The meeting included Mr. Chatchai Bangchuad, Secretary-General of the National Security Council, and related agencies.
At 11:00 a.m., Mr. Sihasak stated they have assessed the situation following Myanmar's election, hoping Myanmar will proceed with peace and reconciliation efforts domestically. Given Thailand's shared border with Myanmar, it is unavoidable that Thailand must take an active role, both to protect border interests and to seek peace. The meeting discussed the possibility of gradually increasing interactions with Myanmar’s military government and other parties. The aim is to communicate with Myanmar’s military government so that, with progress, ASEAN can be engaged to gradually restore relations. Regarding the border, issues include security, conflict, suppression of scammer networks, transnational crime, drug trafficking, pollution affecting rivers, and suspended border trade. The meeting considered how to interact with the military government and ethnic groups along the border to promote peace and combat scammers, as well as strategy and leadership for these efforts.
Mr. Sihasak also commented on the Thai-Cambodian border situation following Cambodia’s firing of an M79 grenade launcher into Thai territory on the evening of 30 January. He said discussions are ongoing at local levels, noting that some incidents may arise from misunderstandings, but any such events are understandably a cause for concern.
When asked whether the public can be assured that no incidents will prevent Thailand’s election scheduled for 8 February, Mr. Sihasak said they must talk with Cambodia to ensure no incidents occur and that the ceasefire is truly sustainable to build mutual trust. Asked if continued incidents mean a third round of fighting cannot be ruled out, he replied that they must work together now to make the ceasefire sustainable. However, if incidents do occur, Thailand must perform its duty to protect its sovereignty.
Regarding reports received by security agencies that Cambodia has reinforced weapons, troops, and dug trenches, Mr. Sihasak said they are monitoring these activities. If they constitute encroachment on Thailand’s sovereignty or deliberate acts, Thailand will respond accordingly. Asked about Cambodian officials publicly criticizing Thailand despite ongoing talks, he said he told Cambodian counterparts during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Cebu, Philippines, that they must be cautious with their words and avoid statements that might interfere, as Thailand strives to avoid such comments in official statements.