Prime Minister Anutin confirmed that the review of state welfare rights under the "Poor People's Card" for the new round is already governed by criteria from the Ministry of Finance, ensuring fairness for all parties. He added there is no need to counter Cambodia's strategies and affirmed that Thailand stands on the people's interests.
At 13:10 on 2 June 2026 GMT+7. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, gave an interview following the Cabinet meeting regarding the review of state welfare rights in the new round. He was asked about issues arising from ineligible recipients and replied that there are criteria in place, set by the Ministry of Finance. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Akniti Nitithanprapas, oversees this. He said he has not issued any additional orders since the criteria already ensure fairness to all parties.
Additionally, Mr. Anutin commented on Cambodia's submission of a letter warning Thailand and the UN Secretary-General to start compulsory dispute resolution under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), following Thailand's cancellation of the 2001 MOU. He said he was not yet informed of any problems. Regarding the 2001 MOU, Thailand informed Cambodian leaders at the ASEAN summit, who acknowledged it and expressed disappointment. Thailand will proceed under UNCLOS without specifying the timing.
When asked if Thailand might be perceived differently in public and behind the scenes, Mr. Anutin said, "Who is making that observation? I do not see it that way. I see it as consistent everywhere." Reporters further asked if Thais view Cambodia's actions differently on the international stage versus its actual strategy. Mr. Anutin stated, it depends on Thailand's principles and that there has been no disadvantage to the country. "There have been talks all week about opening checkpoints and such, but have they actually happened? Those are fabricated stories." He noted that claims about Cambodian students entering Thailand for humanitarian reasons are fake news causing trouble, requiring provincial governors abroad to clarify there is no such issue, as no one can explain it more clearly than them. He added that Thailand's international negotiations, including visits from Vietnam, meetings with French leaders, and the UNESCO Director-General, have proceeded without problems. Thailand does not need to adjust its stance as no one has raised this issue significantly.
Regarding Cambodia's increased international discussions and whether the Thai government must counter these moves, Mr. Anutin said, "Why should we counter? We proceed according to Thailand's approach by listening to public opinion and fulfilling the people's needs as much as possible without compromising Thailand's status on the international stage. We maintain sovereignty, dignity, security, and the respect of our adversaries and other countries, following established principles."
