In foreign policy during his second term, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed to secure the country's borders by building a border wall, and addressing border issues with the neighbouring countries, according to the government’s policy statement.

On 9 - 10 April, the new government delivered its policy statement to parliament. In terms of foreign policy and national security, Thailand under Anutin’s government will take a proactive role on the international stage, adhering to international laws.

Thailand’s core foreign policy approach – bamboo diplomacy – remains intact. In the policy statement, the government pledges to prioritise the national interests and maintain good relations with all countries in a multipolar world. The country will also tighten relations with middle powers and emerging regional players to diversify options and create a balanced flexibility.

To boost the country’s competitiveness, the government says it will push for Thailand to become a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) by 2028. It also plans to review the Free Visa policy, seeking to disrupt financial networks linked to illegal activities, including grey businesses.

A key focus of foreign policy in PM Anutin’s second term revolves around securing borders and addressing cross-border issues with neighbouring countries.

The government said it will tackle border-related challenges, particularly drug trafficking, scam networks, illegal labour, and environmental concerns over illegal forest burning, by building a border wall. The policy statement does not specify the location of the wall, but it is believed to refer to the ongoing construction along the Thai–Cambodian border.

Regarding the simmering tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, the government said it will ‘continue efforts to address the Thai-Cambodian situation through a peaceful approach and existing bilateral mechanisms.’

At the same time, the government will expedite the study on the possible cancellation of the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding on the maritime areas claimed by both Cambodia and Thailand, which has served as a framework for resolving maritime boundary disputes in the Gulf of Thailand between the two countries.

The policy to cancel the 2001 MoU reflects the ruling Bhumjaithai Party’s tough stance towards Cambodia, which resonated with voters and patriots and helped consolidate support for the Party in the latest election.

Amid rising nationalist sentiment linked to the conflict with Cambodia, some Thai nationalist groups have called on the government to unilaterally cancel the 2001 MoU on the grounds that these agreements could lead to the loss of territory, particularly Ko Kut.

In a statement on Wednesday (8 April), a spokesperson of Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation warned that Thai withdrawal from the 2001 MoU would undermine the spirit of cooperation.

He said the agreement reflects the genuine political will and common intent of Cambodia and Thailand to pursue, in good faith, a mutually acceptable framework for jointly exploiting resources in the overlapping claims area, and that it would be deeply regrettable if Thailand were to unilaterally withdraw from it, as such a step would depart from the cooperative spirit underpinning the agreement

On his Facebook page, Pavin Chachavalpongpun, Professor at the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, observed that the new government’s foreign policy is brimming with broad language, while it remains unclear how Thailand will position itself in the global power struggle or what strategic stance it will adopt.

Regarding the policy towards Cambodia, Pavin stated that it isn't a ‘new policy’. As in other areas, the government failed to explain what tangible measures would be implemented.

The Professor concluded that the foreign policies in Anutin’s second term appeared comprehensive but fell short in strategic depth, prioritisation, and a clear vision of where Thailand is heading in this rapidly changing world.