Comments by Anutin Charnvirakul, the Bhumjaithai Party leader and prime ministerial candidate in Thailand, pledging to defend Thai sovereignty and the monarchy, have drawn sharp criticism from a prominent Cambodian analyst.
Speaking at a rally at Bangkok’s Lumpini Park last Friday, Anutin emphasised that protecting Thailand’s land and the monarchy would remain his top priorities.
“I promise to protect Thai land with my life. I will not open the Thai-Cambodian border unless the Thai people demand otherwise, and I will never allow anyone to infringe upon my duty to listen to the wishes of the Thai people,” he said.
Anutin also criticised Paetongtarn Shinawatra, calling her an “uncle’s niece”, and suggested that their approaches to sovereignty and national policy diverge sharply.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the monarchy, insisting there would be no changes to the lese-majesty law or any amendments to the constitution that could compromise Thailand’s royal institution.
Reacting to Anutin’s speech, Kin Phea, director-general of the Institute of International Relations at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, expressed concern over the potential impact on Cambodia-Thailand relations.
“For me, Anutin will continue to cause hostility with Cambodia if he wins the election because he has promoted himself as a conqueror, an occupier and a superior on the battlefield against the Khmer,” Kin Phea told The Post.
“He has not given up his ambition because he takes sides with the military to secure their support and maintain the stability of his government,” he said.
Phea highlighted the fragile nature of the Cambodia-Thailand border situation, noting that control over border affairs is largely influenced by Thailand’s military and royal institutions rather than the civilian government.
“The military uses the border issue with Cambodia as an excuse to expand their influence and consolidate political power,” he said.
Analyst says the remarks underscore the challenges Cambodia could face in managing its border with Thailand regardless of the election outcome.
