Border with Cambodia to remain shut amid concerns

Thailand will not reopen its border checkpoints with Cambodia until its key concerns are addressed, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said.

Speaking on the programme Talk with PM Anutin on Saturday, Mr Anutin said there was no timeline for reopening the border and no indication that bilateral relations would return to their previous level soon. He cited unresolved land and maritime boundary issues, transnational scam operations and the safety of Thai citizens.

The border had been closed for some time and the government must prioritise Thailand's interests, he said.

Key considerations included tackling illegal imports, addressing concerns over agricultural trade, combating cross-border criminal networks and ensuring national security.

Mr Anutin said the government would not allow political considerations to outweigh the country's interests.

Economic indicators had improved since the closure and public sentiment remained supportive of the measure.

While dialogue with Cambodia remained possible, several steps had to be completed before relations could be restored to their previous level.