Thai FM Says Koh Kood Sovereignty Not in Doubt

BANGKOK — 12 May 2026, Thailand’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister said on Tuesday that Koh Kood island remains unquestionably Thai territory, dismissing reports that Cambodia had secretly registered a 2001 bilateral memorandum as evidence in a maritime boundary dispute.

Speaking at Government House at 8:45, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow also said Thai authorities were arranging legal assistance for Thai nationals detained by Cambodian soldiers for allegedly crossing the border illegally while gathering forest products.

“The process is under way,” Sihasak said. “Coordination regarding legal assistance has already been completed, and we are monitoring the situation closely.”

Sihasak was responding to questions about reports that Cambodia had registered the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding between Thailand and Cambodia concerning overlapping continental shelf claims, known in Thailand as the “MOU 2544”, before Thailand later revoked it.

He said Cambodia was a signatory to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS, which Thailand also recognises as the framework for future negotiations.

“The MOU 2544 has already been cancelled,” he said. “Negotiations under UNCLOS are a good approach and avoid wasting time, although it is still too early to conclude which mechanism will ultimately be used.”

Asked about reports that Cambodia intended to use the memorandum as evidence relating to a maritime boundary line that allegedly passes through Koh Kood in Trat province, Sihasak rejected the suggestion.

“That is not possible,” he said. “Under UNCLOS, maritime boundaries must be considered according to internationally recognised legal principles.”

“I do not know what Cambodia may have secretly registered,” he added. “What I know is that discussions will take place under UNCLOS.”

When asked whether the issue would affect Thailand’s sovereignty over Koh Kood, Sihasak said any formal demarcation would clearly show that the island belongs to Thailand.