Anutin said Thai nationals in Moscow are safe and fully cared for. He admitted to meeting Hun Manet during the ASEAN-Russia summit, mentioning there was little time and describing it as an elbow-touch conversation. He emphasized that neither side wants conflict and reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to UNCLOS.
On 19 June 2026 at 08:15 at Military Airport 2, Wing 6, Don Mueang, Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, returned to Thailand after attending the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, Russia. He was welcomed by the Russian Ambassador to Thailand.
Anutin was asked about whether he received intelligence on the Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow while in Russia. He said it was not intelligence per se but warnings to be cautious, such as avoiding wandering around, and to be aware of possible attacks from opposing forces. He said he increased precautions accordingly. When asked if he was shocked by the news, Anutin said he is never pleased with violence and does not want it to happen. Regarding checks on Thais in Moscow, he said all are safe and he instructed the Thai embassy there to provide full assistance. He is in contact with the embassy, which is prepared with emergency plans.
Regarding Thai border security, Anutin said they constantly monitor the borders. While waiting in his room, he spoke with Hun Manet, reaffirming Thailand's position and status, including adherence to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and negotiation frameworks such as the Joint Border Commission (JBC) and General Border Committee (GBC). He said if UNCLOS enforcement becomes compulsory against Thailand’s wishes, Thailand would halt other negotiations. Thailand is prepared and vigilant at the border. When asked if the brief talk included assurances about avoiding conflict, Anutin said there was no time for more; it was just an elbow-touch conversation. He added both sides prepared for this meeting as diplomatic protocol and nothing unexpected occurred.
When asked if Hun Manet explained the border situation, Anutin said Hun Manet expressed no desire for conflict, and Anutin responded similarly. Both sides acknowledged that recent events strain feelings on both sides. They agreed to seek ways to move forward, but the current approach chosen by Cambodia is compulsory enforcement, which Thailand does not accept. Thailand has sent representatives who will accept or reject proposals accordingly. Regarding border checkpoint openings or closings, Anutin said those topics are off-limits and he avoids discussing them to prevent upsetting Thais.
After the press interview, Yevgeny Tomikin, Russian Deputy Ambassador to Thailand, met with the Prime Minister, likely to report on the situation following Ukraine’s missile strikes on Moscow. Shortly afterward, the Prime Minister and his delegation departed for Thailand.
