Sihasak requests verification regarding the missing Thai national flag at Ban Pong Nam Ron, Chanthaburi, and insists that negotiations with Cambodia will only proceed when Thailand is ready. He plans to discuss the 2000-2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Security Council (NSC) tomorrow, emphasizing that the 1:200,000 scale map has no effect.
At 09:40 on 21 Apr 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Sihasak Puangketkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, gave an interview at the Government House before the Cabinet meeting regarding the missing Thai national flag at Ban Phak Kat, Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi. He stated he wanted to verify the matter clearly first. Regarding talks with Cambodia, he said he has consistently explained that Thailand must be ready first; the dates should not be dictated by Cambodia unilaterally. The negotiation schedule must be mutually agreed upon and depends on Thailand's readiness. Whether it takes long depends on the discussions and the matter must be brought before the National Security Council (NSC) for consideration. There will be a meeting on 22 April.
When asked whether the NSC meeting will discuss the 2000-2001 MOUs, Mr. Sihasak said he hopes the meeting will consider the 2001 MOU first, as Thailand plans to cancel it. The 2000 MOU will also be discussed in detail. When asked what mechanism will replace the canceled 2001 MOU, he replied that there is one but declined to disclose it since it relates to negotiation stances with Cambodia. Regarding adjustments to the 2000 MOU, he said concerns from various parties must be considered to determine what would best benefit further negotiations.
Regarding military operations exceeding the 2000 MOU limits, which the military has raised concerns about, Mr. Sihasak said the issue must be viewed comprehensively. The 2000 MOU concerns border security overall, not just boundary demarcation. When pressed on public worries about the maps in the 2000 MOU, he acknowledged these concerns but clarified that the map used is not solely the 1:200,000 scale map; other documents are also involved.
Asked if the 1:200,000 map attached to the 2000 MOU by Cambodia would disadvantage Thailand, Mr. Sihasak said the map is part of the treaty but the text of the treaty also states that boundary demarcation must be based on the watershed and the overall context must be considered. When further asked if boundary demarcation must follow the watershed, Mr. Sihasak confirmed yes, stating that Thailand also has its own maps to support negotiations. However, any discussion must address overall border security matters.