Anutin held talks with the Thai military before his visit to China, emphasizing that Thailand will not block China if it offers to mediate the Thai-Cambodian border dispute. He also intends to continue discussions with Myanmar on issues of contaminated Kok River water, ethnic minorities, and drug problems.
On 16 Jul 2026 GMT+7, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, spoke after inspecting the Thai Armed Forces Headquarters and holding discussions with the Supreme Commander and branch commanders to monitor security situations and operational readiness. Regarding his upcoming China visit, he said he had discussed many matters with the Thai military beforehand, as he is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. Topics include trade, economy, cooperation, and security. He also asked the military if there were issues they wished him to raise with China's top leaders. Next week, China's Minister of Defense will visit Thailand, so discussions will continue.
When asked if there would be talks about supporting weaponry to protect the Thai-Cambodian border, the Prime Minister said it is a security matter that cannot be publicly discussed. Asked if he would discuss the Thai-Cambodian border issue in talks with Chinese leaders, Anutin said China is a great friend that has always supported and relied on each other.
When asked how Thailand would respond if China wished to mediate talks between Thailand and Cambodia, the Prime Minister replied simply, "We do not block it."
Asked whether discussions would include contaminated substances in the Kok River, the Prime Minister said all issues must be discussed, including with Myanmar. Early August, Myanmar's leader will visit Thailand. Yesterday, he also met Myanmar's foreign minister and raised this issue, covering matters such as burning causing smog, pollution, ethnic minorities, and drugs, as well as security cooperation to eliminate drugs, which is a joint effort between the two countries.
When asked if he would discuss matters with Min Aung Hlaing during his visit to Thailand, the Prime Minister said everything would be based on Thailand's interests. If it leads to mutual benefits, conclusions and agreements will be reached quickly.
Meanwhile, General Ukrit Boontanon, Supreme Commander, revealed that the Prime Minister showed no particular concerns but was receiving continuous updates on security from the military. Regarding the border situation, the Supreme Commander said the Prime Minister did not emphasize or give additional orders. Discussions followed the five-point policy focusing on military readiness. The Thai Armed Forces Headquarters summarized the situation and progress for the Prime Minister's information.
The Supreme Commander added that there have been periodic informal meetings and updates with the Prime Minister. Today's meeting was the first official one with all branch commanders present, enabling a more systematic, concise, and clear summary of previously discussed information. When asked if the Prime Minister was satisfied with military preparedness and response plans, General Ukrit smiled and replied briefly, "No comment."
