Thailand's government has terminated a 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cambodia aimed at resolving overlapping maritime territorial claims. The decision was announced on Tuesday but will not take effect until a formal notification letter is sent to Cambodia.
Cambodia expressed regret over the Thai Cabinet's decision but affirmed its commitment to continue seeking a resolution. The two countries signed the agreement to peacefully delimit maritime boundaries and jointly manage resources under international law, yet five rounds of talks over 20 years failed to yield progress.
Termination dashes hopes of exploiting offshore oil and gas in the disputed area. The move follows a sharp deterioration in relations and armed clashes along the land border in July and December, which killed dozens and displaced hundreds of thousands. A fragile ceasefire holds but tensions remain.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the termination is unrelated to the current border situation, adding that maritime issues will be pursued under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek stressed it is a framework adjustment, not an end to relations or negotiations.
Cambodia's Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn called the decision a departure from the spirit of peaceful resolution and declared Cambodia will pursue compulsory conciliation under the UN framework. Prime Minister Hun Manet stated on social media that Cambodia hopes for a just and lasting solution in line with international law.
