Bangkok: The government affirms it will proceed with UNCLOS to clearly define maritime boundaries, not to develop the area jointly. The government is moving forward with UNCLOS to clearly define maritime boundaries, not through negotiations for joint development of the area. The government affirms that the public can rest assured that Thailand prioritizes its national interests above all else.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that regarding concerns about Thailand entering into the process under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) concerning overlapping maritime claims between Thailand and Cambodia, the government wishes to clarify to the public that this process involves discussions and consideration of maritime boundaries based on international law, and is not a negotiation for joint development of the area or sharing of benefits from resources.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkaew, clearly explained to the public and ambassadors from over 70 countries that entering the UNCLOS process is an international legal mechanism to find solutions to disagreements regarding maritime boundary demarcation, and is not related to the establishment of a joint development zone or the sharing of benefits from resources in the area.
The Thai government has a clear position that defining maritime boundaries clearly and in accordance with international law is a fundamental condition that must be taken before anything else in order to safeguard the rights, sovereignty, and interests of the nation in the long term.
Thailand's participation in the UNCLOS process does not mean that Thailand accepts the other party's demands or any preconceived notions. Rather, it is utilizing an international mechanism to which both countries are parties, to ensure that the deliberation process is transparent, based on facts, and adheres to legal principles.
The spokesperson for the Prime Minister stated that the Prime Minister has affirmed that all steps will be taken with prudence, in close coordination with foreign affairs agencies, security agencies, and international law experts, in order to fully protect Thailand's interests.
'I want to assure the public that the government will not take any actions that would affect national sovereignty. The UNCLOS process must first and foremost aim at establishing clarity on maritime boundaries in accordance with international standards, not at joint development of the area, and not at giving away national interests to any one party,' Ms. Ratchada said.