The government reiterated that the 2001 memorandum of understanding with Cambodia is in Thailand’s best interests and that Thailand has sole sovereignty over Koh Kut in Trat province. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai assured this while visiting the island to address concerns about the agreement signed during Thaksin Shinawatra’s tenure.
Thai Pakdee Party chairman Warong Dechgitvigrom also visited the island on the same day to advocate for the termination of the MoU. He aims to collect 100,000 signatures to support his petition. However, the government has cautioned that unilaterally nullifying the agreement could strain relations with Cambodia.
The Palang Pracharath Party, led by Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, has also called for the revocation of the MoU. Despite the opposition, Phumtham remains confident that the residents of Koh Kut are Thai citizens and the island belongs to Thailand.
He asserted that the 2001 MoU is a tool to protect Thailand’s interests and facilitate negotiations over maritime benefits with Cambodia. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra proposed the formation of a Joint Technical Committee to initiate discussions on the disputed maritime areas claimed by both countries.
Warong emphasized that Cambodia must ratify the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea before further negotiations proceed. He expressed concerns about Cambodia’s intentions to claim energy resources in the maritime areas recognized as an Overlapping Claims Area.
Thaksin clarified that the 2001 MoU is not a binding agreement but a guideline for further discussions. He highlighted that the status of the MoU is recognized under international law and the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907. Thaksin also addressed the misconception linking the deal to his relationship with Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen.
Overall, the government is working to dispel rumors and misinformation surrounding the MoU and Koh Kut. The focus remains on safeguarding Thailand’s interests while maintaining diplomatic relations with Cambodia. The complexities of maritime boundary negotiations and sovereignty claims require a strategic and diplomatic approach to find common ground between the two nations.
