BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Thursday that Thailand would not rule out Chinese mediation regarding border issues with Cambodia, ahead of his upcoming visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. Speaking to reporters, Anutin, who also serves as Minister of Interior, confirmed he had consulted with the Thai military prior to his trip to gather security and economic points for his high-level talks with President Xi and Premier Li Qiang.
When asked how Thailand would respond if Beijing offered to facilitate talks between Thailand and Cambodia over border disputes, Anutin replied, “We are not closing any doors,” adding that China is a close ally that Thailand has long supported and relied upon. He noted that defense discussions would continue next week when China’s Minister of National Defense is scheduled to visit Thailand. The Prime Minister also stated that regional environmental and security concerns would be addressed, including pollution in the Ruak and Kok rivers, which requires coordination with Myanmar.
Anutin said he had already discussed transboundary haze, pollution, ethnic minority groups, and drug trafficking during a meeting with Myanmar’s foreign minister on Wednesday.
He confirmed that Myanmar’s leadership is scheduled to visit Thailand in early August, and when asked if talks would be held with Min Aung Hlaing, Anutin emphasized that all discussions would prioritize Thailand’s national interests. “Everything will be based on Thailand’s national interests,” Anutin said. “If it leads to mutual benefits for both countries, we will quickly reach a conclusion and agreement.” (TNA)
