“Kungfu” questions the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying border diplomacy contradicts the feelings of the people. He points out that while governments get along, the citizens remain in conflict and asks whether border negotiations have truly made progress.
On 9 Jul 2026 GMT+7, during the committee meeting on the draft budget bill for 2027, Mr. Wasawat Phuangpornsi, also known as “Kungfu,” a party-list MP from the Thai Ruam Palang Party, expressed his views on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ policy regarding Thai–Cambodian relations, stating that the current diplomatic approach runs counter to the feelings of many citizens.
Mr. Wasawat stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explains that diplomacy should confine conflicts between the two governments at the official level, while citizens of both countries maintain good relations. However, in reality, the opposite is happening, as during many past periods, while both governments were able to communicate, the citizens of both countries experienced increasing conflict and distrust.
He also raised concerns about the border demarcation negotiations, noting that resolving the issue is difficult because the Cambodian side has never seriously opened talks on key points, leaving the question of progress in resolving border problems without clear answers.
MP Kungfu further urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review its policy approach to align it with the actual situation and public sentiment. He emphasized that diplomacy must protect national interests and build confidence among Thai people simultaneously, not merely maintain government-to-government relations.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that Thailand and Cambodia are neighbors who cannot avoid each other, so ultimately, they must find ways to manage conflicts. Currently, the priority is to maintain a sustainable ceasefire agreement to ensure security in border areas, then work to restore confidence in bilateral relations. The border issue is sensitive to the public of both countries. The urgent task is to enter a compulsory conciliation process for maritime border areas. On the JBC mechanism, Thailand is proceeding with nominating a new chairperson and committee members. Thailand does not face obstacles to attending meetings, but meetings will only be effective if both sides participate.