Thai PM warns against use of force after Hun Sen raises military option

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has warned that anyone considering encroaching upon Thailand or using force against the country had better think twice.

Thailand's position is clear: it firmly stands by the principle that its sovereignty must not be violated or infringed upon by anyone, he said during an official visit to Hanoi.

He was referring to remarks made earlier on Tuesday by Cambodia's Acting Head of State Hun Sen, who told displaced residents in Banteay Meanchey province that Thailand had invaded and occupied Cambodian territory during last year's border conflict.

Hun Sen said Cambodia remains determined to seek the return of the disputed territory.

To reclaim the territory, he said, the available options were either military force or peaceful negotiations. He added, however, that a peaceful solution is more sustainable than a military one.

Anutin said Thailand has never invaded or encroached upon the sovereignty of any other country.

"I believe anyone considering encroaching upon Thailand or using force against Thailand should think very carefully before doing so," he said.

Anutin was in Hanoi on an official visit, during which he attended the ASEAN Future Forum on Tuesday.

In his speech at the forum's opening ceremony, Anutin emphasized that Thai-Cambodian relations are at a critical juncture and warned that today's decisions would shape their long-term future.

He told the international audience that the two countries must prioritize mutual trust and political will to overcome their conflict.

Among the more than 200 attendees were Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn.

He reiterated that achieving a peaceful and sustainable solution requires political will, commitment, trust and negotiations conducted in good faith.

In addition, he noted that the path forward would not be easy and that both nations must cooperate to establish a new chapter in their relationship.

The forum, held this year under the theme "Shaping Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity and People-Centered," brought together several regional leaders to discuss ASEAN-related issues, including regional connectivity and long-term policy.

Anutin's remarks come amid ongoing efforts by Bangkok and Phnom Penh to navigate complex bilateral ties, including overlapping maritime border claims and economic cooperation. Both countries have agreed to negotiate under the UNCLOS framework.

Anutin stressed that despite these challenges, constructive dialogue and confidence-building measures remain the only viable path forward for the two countries.

According to Cambodian media, Hun Sen also said he was responsible for Cambodia not being fully prepared for the recent conflict with Thailand because he had trusted his "good relationship" with former Thai prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, absolving his son, Prime Minister Hun Manet, of blame.

"Because of this trust, I, as the former prime minister with full powers, did not prepare for any fight. So, when the situation [border conflict] occurred, it was my fault, not the current prime minister's fault," Hun Sen said.

He explained that he and Prayut, Thailand's prime minister from 2014 to 2023, had worked closely on border affairs, recalling a train ride with him near the Poipet border area to discuss development projects benefiting both countries.

Due to his trust in the Thai side, Cambodia allocated a larger portion of its national budget to social services, especially healthcare and education, instead of national defence.

"We never thought a war would occur at the border, spreading from the Mom Bei area to the sea," Hun Sen said during his visit to the relocation site.