At 11:50 a.m. on June 16 at Ban Phitsanulok, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra held a press conference following a two-hour meeting to review outcomes of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting. She said the June 14–15 JBC session was considered successful, with agreement reached on the discussion framework. She noted that matters were discussed at all levels, and a special task force called “Team Thailand,” led by Deputy Defense Minister Gen. Natthaphon Nakphanich, was established to define defense and response strategies.
She reaffirmed that Thailand does not accept the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and that legal and historical data have been thoroughly reviewed.
When asked about Cambodian threats to close all border checkpoints if Thailand didn’t reopen its own, she clarified that Thailand hadn’t closed the borders, but adjusted operating hours after clashes occurred. The National Security Council has delegated military authority to adapt to the situation, as Cambodia has declined to adjust its forces.
She recalled that her first discussion with Cambodian PM Hun Manet on May 28 focused on peace and avoiding conflict. However, unofficial communications via social media caused confusion and went beyond agreed frameworks. She emphasized that both sides should communicate formally to avoid disruption.
Paetongtarn expressed concern that closing all borders would harm both Thai and Cambodian citizens, particularly in trade and fruit exports. She said Cambodia was informed that a Thai internal meeting would be held and that she messaged the Cambodian PM on the same day, proposing joint meetings of the General Border Committee (GBC) and Regional Border Committee (RBC) at the military level to resolve tensions.
Responding to suggestions that Cambodia is not negotiating in good faith, she maintained that JBC was conducted in the spirit of peace and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already clarified key points. On information warfare concerns, she warned that such tactics were harmful to both nations and stressed the need to maintain discipline in public messaging to avoid escalation.
To clarify Thailand’s integrity on territorial issues, she proposed formalizing agreements in GBC or RBC meetings. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned foreign diplomats in Bangkok for briefings, while the Foreign Minister had previously spoken with Cambodian officials on June 4 to reiterate Thailand’s peaceful intentions.
She insisted Thailand never provoked conflict, either domestically or internationally, and urged restraint from inflammatory rhetoric. If conflict arises, Thailand must act within its rights and not be baited.
On how Thailand will respond to Cambodia’s “information war,” she said the military and government agreed on the need to protect sovereignty while preventing bloodshed. She emphasized full coordination with the military and assured the public that both government and armed forces remain united.
“Let me stress again: there is no conflict between the government and the military. We are united. We are defending our sovereignty with dignity. Thailand is a strong and respected nation. Those who don’t follow international norms won’t gain global acceptance,” Paetongtarn concluded.