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Thai cabinet cancels 2001 MOU with Cambodia, ending 25-year framework
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BANGKOK — Thailand’s cabinet has approved the cancellation of the 2001 memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Cambodia on overlapping maritime claims, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul insisting the move will not affect border stability.
Key facts
- Speaking after the cabinet meeting at Government House at 12:30 on 5 May, Anutin said the decision was not linked to any current dispute with Cambodia, but reflected a policy review of a framework that has been in place for more than 25
- The prime minister added that there have been no negotiations between the two countries at present, and any future talks would take place under a “new context”, with the 2001 MOU no longer forming the basis.
- He said both countries could instead rely on existing international frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to guide future discussions, noting that Thailand and Cambodia are both parties to the
- Asked about remarks by Cambodian senate president Hun Sen that scrapping the MOU could intensify disputes, Anutin declined to comment, saying reporters should seek clarification from the Cambodian side.
Summary
Speaking after the cabinet meeting at Government House at 12:30 on 5 May, Anutin said the decision was not linked to any current dispute with Cambodia, but reflected a policy review of a framework that has been in place for more than 25 years without reaching a conclusion.
He said both countries could instead rely on existing international frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to guide future discussions, noting that Thailand and Cambodia are both parties to the convention.