Prime Minister Anutin revealed that a meeting with intelligence agencies was held to update the security situation. A new negotiation team was formed, appointing the National Intelligence Director to lead Thai-Malaysian talks, while Gen. Somsak was assigned as chairman of the Joint Border Committee (JBC). He also ordered full compensation for victims of the train-bus collision.
At 16:50 on 18 May 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, gave an interview about the meeting summarizing the country's security situation with the intelligence community at the Thai Khu Fa Building, Government House, earlier that afternoon. He emphasized that he had called the intelligence team to review and update each other on the government's progress.
Asked if the current situation was concerning, Mr. Anutin said the government had already made significant progress in addressing both economic and security issues. A new negotiation team was established, with Mr. Thanat Suwannanon, Director of the National Intelligence Agency, appointed as head of the Thai-Malaysian negotiation team, while Gen. Somsak Rungsita, former Secretary-General of the National Security Council, was reassigned as chairman of the Joint Border Committee (JBC). Both individuals bring experience and expertise and represent Thailand effectively.
Mr. Anutin then commented on the compensation for those injured and deceased in the train-bus collision incident, which occurred near the Asok-Phetchaburi intersection. He instructed the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) that "Guidelines have been given to fully support the victims and the families of the deceased. There is no need to submit compensation amounts to me."
When asked about reports that the Prime Minister had summoned the State Railway Governor to the Thai Khu Fa Building, he replied, "I have met him over the past two days already." When pressed further on whether he had summoned the Governor, the Prime Minister responded briefly, "I did not summon him."