Anutin informed Hun Manet of the cancellation of MOU 44, reassuring the public that Koh Kut belongs to Thailand. He stated that diplomatic relations must progress step by step and criticized those who spread fabricated news on social media, using imagination to write false stories aimed at creating division and hatred.
On 8 May 2026 at 19:30, reporters reported that Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, posted on Facebook that during the ASEAN meeting, the Philippine President, as chair, wanted a positive atmosphere and arranged a meeting between him and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet before the session to ease tensions. Anutin informed Hun Manet that the Thai government had decided to cancel MOU 44. Hun Manet expressed disappointment with this decision but said Cambodia had no choice but to pursue compulsory conciliation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) regarding maritime rights, in line with Thailand’s wishes. Cambodia officially acknowledged Thailand's decision and informed Thailand of its next steps, also announcing this at the ASEAN leaders’ meeting. This ended any doubt about Cambodia accepting the MOU cancellation. Without MOU 44, there will be no disputed line crossing Koh Kut, so people can rest assured that Koh Kut belongs to Thailand.
Anutin said that other issues, such as border demarcation and negotiations at the JBC and GBC levels, will continue as before. When appropriate, diplomatic relations can be gradually elevated. Currently, only embassy guards remain without officials, but discussions will continue until agreements are reached. Both sides agreed on cooperation to crack down decisively on call center and scam gangs, with police from both countries working together, which Anutin supported for the benefit of Thailand and its people. The opening of border checkpoints was not discussed, nor were other cooperation topics raised. Both sides agreed that peace is desired by all. Anutin told them that peace requires sincerity, joint problem-solving, mutual trust, and avoiding military conflict as much as possible. That was the extent of their meeting. He noted widespread false news on social media using fabricated stories to sow division and hatred, despite detailed statements from himself and the foreign minister. He reaffirmed that the government will act carefully, transparently, and with the people’s feelings as a priority.