Chatichai, Secretary of the National Security Council, is awaiting the Prime Minister's approval to appoint a new head for the southern peace talks. He is confident the situation in the South will improve and dismisses Cambodia's dissatisfaction regarding the cancellation of MOU 44, affirming that Thailand has the right to terminate it legally.
At 09:50 on 28 April 2026 at the Government House, Chatichai Bangchuad, Secretary of the National Security Council (NSC), spoke about progress in the southern border peace talks. He said they are about to propose to the Prime Minister the official appointment of the peace talks leader. The leader will decide on the format and composition of the talks. The NSC will continue serving as the secretariat. When asked when talks would begin, Chatichai said the process can start immediately once the Prime Minister signs the appointment.
Regarding previous talks, which continued intermittently during government transitions, Chatichai said that during the last round under former leader General Somsak Rungsita, discussions reached a substantive level. However, the government changed at that time. Whether previously discussed matters will be revisited depends on the new leader's decision.
When asked about concerns whether those participating in talks are genuine representatives or impostors, Chatichai said the principle is to engage all groups, both domestic and abroad. Whether real or fake, if dissenting parties exist, dialogue is necessary. In the past, participants have included political and military factions from various sides. The approach has long been to talk with all parties involved.
Asked if he is confident the new peace talks team can improve the southern situation, Chatichai said past experience will be used to assess and possibly adjust approaches for better effectiveness. When asked if the new approach will differ from previous ones, he said the leader should decide on that.
The NSC Secretary expressed confidence that police have security measures in place to protect important persons after the attempted assassination of President Trump.
Chatichai also commented on VIP security in the country following the assassination attempt on the US President. He said the NSC does not handle this directly; it is the police who have established measures in place.
When asked about intelligence reports and VIP security arrangements, Chatichai said he believes the police have established protocols, especially under current circumstances, with strict protection already in place. He deferred to the police for further details.
The NSC Secretary reaffirmed that Thailand has the right to cancel MOU 44, disregarding Cambodia's dissatisfaction.
Furthermore, Chatichai, speaking after the cancellation of MOU 44, said bilateral relations continue and must proceed accordingly. Regarding the canceled MOU 44, the Prime Minister has indicated that alternative arrangements will replace it.
When asked if there has been any reaction from Cambodia, Chatichai said news reports indicate Cambodia disagrees, but Thai law has been reviewed and confirms Thailand's right to unilaterally cancel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will submit the matter to the Cabinet.
Asked if the timing of the cancellation is known, Chatichai said it is not yet clear; it depends on when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs submits it to the Cabinet.