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Defense Minister Denies Election Rumors, Affirms Military Neutrality

Defense Minister Denies Election Rumors, Affirms Military Neutrality

ThairathPolitics21h ago

Reader Briefing

Thai Defense Minister Gen. Natthaphon Nakhanich refutes false reports of impending elections being canceled and reaffirms the military's commitment to neutrality during the election period.

  • •Defense Minister Gen. Natthaphon Nakhanich has denied rumors that elections will not take place.
  • •The military has been instructed to remain neutral during the election period.
  • •Security forces will increase vigilance, especially in border areas and the southern provinces.
  • •The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is handling responses to a Cambodian Senator's open letter referencing the Thai monarchy.

Overview

  • •On January 22, 2026, at the Soldiers Welfare Organization, Defense Minister Gen. Natthaphon Nakhanich addressed rumors of election cancellation.
  • •Gen. Natthaphon Nakhanich explicitly stated that the military will remain neutral and support the election process, in order to ensure fair elections.
  • •Gen. Natthaphon Nakhanich has instructed military units to maintain neutrality and support the election processes, as a measure to ensure stability.
  • •Security around border areas and the three southern provinces will be intensified, in order to maintain peace and order during the election period.
  • •Gen. Natthaphon Nakhanich urged the public to trust government and security agencies and to verify information, due to the prevalence of fake news.
  • •Gen. Natthaphon Nakhanich warned that fake news and disinformation are widespread on social media, urging citizens to make judgments based on reason.
  • •The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified and responded to the inappropriateness of an open letter from a Cambodian Senator that referenced the Thai monarchy.
  • •Gen. Natthaphon Nakhanich stated that further action by the Ministry of Defense regarding the Cambodian Senator's letter is not necessary, delegating the responsibility to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Source: Thairath (Original)

Key Quotes

Gen. Natthaphon Nakhanich
"Please trust government agencies, especially security units, particularly in border areas overseen by the Ministry of Defense, to maintain order."
ขอให้เชื่อมั่นในหน่วยงานของรัฐ โดยเฉพาะหน่วยความมั่นคง โดยเฉพาะพื้นที่ที่กระทรวงกลาโหม รับผิดชอบตามแนวชายแดน ให้มีความสงบเรียบร้อย
Gen. Natthaphon Nakhanich
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already clarified and responded to the inappropriateness of this matter."
เรื่องนี้กระทรวงต่างประเทศได้ดำเนินการชี้แจงตอบโต้ไปแล้วถึงความไม่เหมาะสม

Key Entities

Person

Gen. Natthaphon Nakhanich(พล.อ.ณัฐพล นาคพาณิชย์)ℹ️
Thai Defense Minister who reassured the public about the upcoming elections and military neutrality.
Cambodian Senator(สว.กัมพูชา)
A Cambodian Senator who published an open letter referencing the Thai monarchy, prompting a response from Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Organization

The Military(กองทัพ)ℹ️
The armed forces of Thailand, which Gen. Natthaphon Nakhanich stated will remain neutral during elections.
Ministry of Defense(กระทรวงกลาโหม)ℹ️
The government ministry responsible for national defense, led by Gen. Natthaphon Nakhanich.
Soldiers Welfare Organization(องค์การสงเคราะห์ทหารผ่านศึก)
Venue where Defense Minister Gen. Natthaphon Nakhanich made his statements on January 22, 2026.
Election Commission (EC)(กกต.)ℹ️
The Thai electoral body, mentioned in the context of potentially coordinating with the military regarding party policy presentations.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs(กระทรวงต่างประเทศ)ℹ️
The government ministry responsible for Thailand's foreign relations, which is handling the response to the Cambodian Senator's letter.
ASEAN AOT(อาเซียน AOT)
Referred to as 'คณะผู้สังเกตการณ์อาเซียน AOT', indicating ASEAN observers, mentioned in the context of the Cambodian Senator's letter.

Place

Southern Border Provinces(3 จังหวัดชายแดนภาคใต้)ℹ️
Region where security measures will be intensified leading up to the elections.