His comments came amid reports that China had delivered T-59D tanks to Cambodia, reports the Bangkok Post.
Speaking before the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (June 9), Mr Chatchai said officials had assessed the situation and agreed conditions remained sensitive. However, local authorities on both sides were still able to communicate and manage problems on the ground, he said.
He also downplayed recent remarks by Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, saying he understood why such statements were being made.
“I understand that he has to speak in such a manner, but Thailand will follow an appropriate approach, as outlined by the prime minister,” Mr Chatchai said.
Hun Sen on Tuesday raised the issue of Cambodia reclaiming disputed territory from Thailand, while also apologising to Cambodians for failing to strengthen the country’s military preparedness before earlier clashes with Thailand.
He was quoted as saying he had trusted Thailand too much and so had not purchased more weapons.
Mr Chatchai said Thailand would adhere to the framework established under the joint statement agreed by both countries and work to ensure progress.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also downplayed concerns yesterday over reports of China’s handover of T-59D tanks to Cambodia under a defence cooperation arrangement.
Anutin said the matter did not directly concern Thailand, adding the Thai military remained ready to perform its duties.
Defence Minister Lt Gen Adul Boonthumjaroen said Thailand was aware Cambodia had acquired new military equipment for national defence purposes.
He described the tanks as refurbished older models supplied under an existing agreement between Cambodia and China, which have conducted joint military exercises since 2016.
Asked whether the tanks would affect security along the border, Lt Gen Adul said intelligence reports confirmed the vehicles had arrived at a Cambodian port but had not been moved to border areas.
He said Thailand and Cambodia were required to follow the joint statement governing the deployment of troops and military equipment near the border.
Asked whether he planned to discuss the matter with Chinese officials, Lt Gen Adul said he expected to meet his Chinese counterparts as part of his duties in his new post.
Asked why Cambodia was receiving the military equipment at this time, the defence minister said Thailand would closely monitor any developments that could affect its security interests.
Lt Gen Adul also pointed to what he described as an unprecedented diplomatic effort by Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who has visited several countries while security efforts are also underway.
He said Thailand would not be drawn into provocations, adding he could not determine whether Hun Sen’s comments about reclaiming territory from Thailand were serious.
However, he echoed Anutin’s remark that those considering the use of force should “think carefully” about the consequences.
The Khmer Times says Chea Thyrith, spokesman for Senate President and Acting Head of State Hun Sen, rejected reports by some Thai media outlets that he said had misrepresented Mr Hun Sen’s remarks regarding Cambodia’s position on resolving border issues with Thailand.
Mr Hun Sen had not announced any intention to resolve the border dispute through military force during his visit to displaced civilians in Banteay Meanchey province on Tuesday.