The Prime Minister has appointed Sihasak to lead the reconciliation team in talks with Cambodia under the UNCLOS mechanism, emphasizing that there will be no discussions about restoring relations or opening border checkpoints. He stated that Thailand does not have to rush to seek legitimacy for itself like Cambodia and is confident it has done nothing wrong and can explain its position to the other side.
On 5 June 2026 at the Government House, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, arrived to perform his duties. He was joined by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Puangketkaew, Defense Minister General Adul Boonthamcharoen, and Army Commander Lieutenant General Pana Khlawplodtook for talks regarding Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet's letter to Thailand and the UN Secretary-General, initiating compulsory conciliation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. Later at 13:30, Anutin said he discussed UNCLOS matters and that Thailand would send representatives led by Sihasak as they enter the process. When asked about an aggressive approach, Anutin replied that Thailand is not thinking in terms of offense or defense but must not lose any of its existing benefits and must protect its interests as much as possible. Regarding expectations for the UNCLOS process, he said there are many steps ahead, and when appropriate, Sihasak will provide details. Asked if he was concerned about Cambodia's past attempts to claim areas on the world stage, Anutin said Thailand has done nothing wrong, so there is no reason to worry. He added that Thailand should not chase after others; those who must run around are seeking legitimacy because they lack it, but Thailand is confident in its legitimacy and can explain it to everyone, including its own people.
When asked about Cambodia's complaint to the United Nations claiming Thailand unilaterally canceled MOU 44, which suggests Cambodia does not accept the UNCLOS process, Anutin said that if Cambodia did not accept UNCLOS, they could not proceed. He pointed out that Cambodia agreed to use UNCLOS, so the matter is settled. Both countries are parties to UNCLOS, so the process continues under it. Regarding the claim that Thailand canceled MOU 44, Anutin said this is not true because the process has not stopped. Thailand has proposed negotiating a new framework, but Cambodia refuses and insists on going to UNCLOS. Therefore, negotiations will proceed under UNCLOS first, with no discussions on other matters. The Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) and the General Border Committee (GBC) will not negotiate, and other cooperation remains pending.