Border solution and political wait for elections: Defense Ministry advisor views America's bargaining in Cambodia ceasefire talks. The Prime Minister's power remains unchanged after parliament dissolution but allows more time for the military to seize full control. The military's authority expands during this period.
After the Prime Minister dissolved parliament, effective today (12 Dec 2025 GMT+7), many have expressed concern because Thailand still faces threats from Cambodia along the border, where attacks have not ceased. Questions arise about who will hold supreme command over the situation while awaiting the 2026 election during the acting Prime Minister's tenure.
The Thairath Online special reporting team consulted Associate Professor Dr. Wanwit Boonprong, advisor to the Minister of Defense, who said that after the Prime Minister announced parliament dissolution and awaits new elections, everything in the defense framework remains the same. In particular, the Supreme Commander continues to lead all military operations with absolute authority, while the acting political leaders fully support this.
The concern is how the Election Commission will ensure clear and nationwide elections, including in conflict zones where fighting persists. Although these processes may take considerable time to resolve, government agencies must address all doubts completely.
The ongoing conflict might have a silver lining: with political leaders lacking full power, the military can apply its own tactical approaches more freely. This means that as major powers intervene, the political faction supporting the military might say they are still coordinating, using this time advantageously while the military engages in combat from a position of strength.
"In combat areas such as Phanom Dong Rak in Surin Province, election management will depend on convenience and safety, similar to Sa Kaeo Province. Therefore, if fighting ends quickly, elections can proceed rapidly. However, there may also be covert incursions digging trenches by Cambodian soldiers in some areas, which means the military must conduct operations decisively and comprehensively."
Regarding rumors that Donald Trump would call Anutin Charnvirakul, acting Prime Minister, Associate Professor Dr. Wanwit said that Anutin retains full decision-making power on security matters while awaiting new elections. His personality is more independent than previous governments. The key security challenge is explaining to the Thai public, rather than to the U.S. leadership, why Cambodia is not acting straightforwardly as agreed in negotiations.
Conversely, Anutin must respond to Donald Trump about Cambodia's failure to comply with the Kuala Lumpur Declaration between Thailand and Cambodia. Pressure should not be applied only to Thailand; if Cambodia can be pressured effectively, then negotiations with Thailand can resume. The negotiations with the U.S. will follow this approach.
The public should understand that despite political volatility, managing this domestic instability must be concrete because it will inevitably affect the electoral situation.