Hanoi: The government clarified that Anutin's handshake with Hun Manet was merely a courtesy, emphasizing that there was nothing suspicious going on. Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, addressed the rumors via social media, explaining that there was no formal meeting between the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia during their participation in the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi, Vietnam.
According to Thai News Agency, the statement from the Prime Minister's Office emphasized the straightforward nature of the encounter. "There's nothing to it. It's straightforward. There was no meeting... Prime Minister Anutin attended the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum in Vietnam this morning. Many ASEAN leaders were in attendance. Before the event began, there was a polite exchange of greetings. There was no meeting between Thailand and Cambodia whatsoever. There was only a conversation between the leaders while waiting for the opening ceremony and speeches."
Ms. Rachada further stated that prior to the opening ceremony, leaders from several ASEAN countries would attend and exchange greetings according to diplomatic custom, but there would be no bilateral discussions or special meetings between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Cambodian media published images and messages suggesting that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet met with the Thai Prime Minister before attending the opening ceremony of the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi. However, this was merely a meeting between leaders at a regional event.
The ASEAN Future Forum is a platform for discussing the future and cooperation of the ASEAN region, held in Vietnam and attended by leaders and representatives from many countries.