Anutin said Thai and Cambodian military units had been communicating to prevent any misunderstandings following reports that Cambodia had dug additional trenches near the frontier across from Trat province, reports the Bangkok Post.
Speaking at Government House, he said both sides had agreed to adhere to commitments they made in the ceasefire they signed on Dec 27, aimed at reducing tensions. Anutin and his team visited border areas in Sa Kaeo province on Monday.
Addressing concerns over Cambodia’s demining activities, Anutin said mine clearance was a humanitarian obligation under international commitments Cambodia had made “to the world”, not only to Thailand.
He said Thailand was ready to cooperate, adding that, under humanitarian demining principles, either side could remove mines where they were found, particularly within areas under Thai sovereignty.
Asked whether Cambodia’s trench digging, reportedly within 500 metres of the border, had heightened mistrust, the acting prime minister said each country had the right to take defensive measures within its own territory.
“Thailand will maintain its own defences while respecting the sovereignty of the other and protecting our own,” he said.
On the possibility of renewed clashes, he said security briefings during his visit concluded there were no indicators of an escalation.
“We are not complacent, but no signs are pointing to violence or confrontation,” he said, describing this as evidence of sustained military vigilance.
“People along the border should be reassured and continue their daily lives.”
Anutin also said he had not seen reports of leaked Cambodian procurement documents related to additional airstrike capabilities. He also dismissed speculation that Cambodia was seeking to destabilise Thailand politically.
As long as both sides respected the ceasefire and the Kuala Lumpur Declaration signed in October, he said, neither posed a threat to the other.
He said no extraordinary security meeting was required ahead of the election, noting that regular coordination was ongoing among the National Security Council, the National Intelligence Agency, the military and the Interior Ministry.
National Security Council secretary-general Chatchai Bangchuad said assessments indicated elections could proceed in border areas without disruption. Rumours of a “third clash” circulating online were being monitored daily, but the situation remained manageable, he said.