PM Assures Thai Expats in Paris: Border Gates Will Not Open, Warns UNESCO to Inspect Thai Territory if Cambodia Requests World Heritage Survey
Thai PM Anutin vowed during a Paris visit that Thailand will never surrender territory to Cambodia, warning UNESCO to inspect Thai border areas if the neighboring country requests surveys of damaged heritage sites.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over Buddhist merit-making ceremonies at the International Buddhist Temple in Paris on May 23, 2025, to honor the late Queen Ramphai Barni. During informal talks with Thai expatriates, the PM responded to questions about border tensions by pledging that Thailand would never allow anyone to encroach, threaten, or take advantage of Thai territory.
Anutin revealed that he had discussed the matter with UNESCO's director-general the previous day, stating that should Cambodia request inspections of world heritage temples damaged by Thai-Cambodian border clashes, UNESCO must also inspect the Thai border area to ensure complete and accurate information.
The PM described the Paris visit as part of efforts to strengthen Thai-French diplomatic relations on the occasion of 170 years of bilateral ties. This marks the first time four deputy prime ministers have accompanied the PM on a single official visit to France: Deputy PM and Interior Minister Anucha Nakasai, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeaw, Deputy PM and Commerce Minister Supachaya Sutthammaphan, and Deputy PM and Science Minister Yothin Wongsawat.
Anutin invited Thai expatriates to visit Thailand, which he said has improved significantly with better quality of life. He also called on Thais abroad to serve as cultural ambassadors, promoting Thai identity and building Thailand's positive international image.
