Thailand: Thailand has notified Cambodia of its intent to cancel a 2001 maritime agreement, known as MOU44, but remains committed to resolving overlapping border claims through international law, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said.
According to Thai News Agency, speaking on the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting in Brunei, Sihasak confirmed he had informed his Cambodian counterpart, Prak Sokhonn, that the Thai government is in the process of revoking the memorandum. The proposal is expected to reach the Thai Cabinet shortly, with an official confirmation letter to be dispatched to Phnom Penh once a formal resolution is reached.
He stated that Thailand intends to pivot toward the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the primary basis for future negotiations, believing that this framework remains a viable path for both nations.
The Minister noted that the immediate priority remains the clear delimitation of maritime boundaries to accurately define overlapping claims areas. By achieving clarity on these boundaries first, Sihasak argued that the negotiation process would ultimately become easier and more transparent.
He reassured that the decision would not negatively impact Thailand, framing it as a strategic move to establish a framework that best preserves the country's national interests.