NSC backs Thai govt withdrawal from 2001 Thailand-Cambodia MoU

The National Security Council (NSC), chaired by the prime minister, has resolved to withdraw from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Thailand and Cambodia in 2001, government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said today.

She explained that, over the past 25 years, five rounds of talks have been held without result, while the framework established under the agreement has contributed to ongoing maritime boundary disputes.

Cambodia has been urged to clearly state its intentions and help establish a new framework if it still seeks joint development of undersea resources.

The withdrawal follows the government’s policy statement to parliament on April 9, in which it pledged to accelerate a review of the agreement.

If Cambodia still sees benefits in joint undersea resource development with Thailand, it should clearly express its intentions so that both sides can establish a new, more workable negotiating framework.

The spokesperson said repeated conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia over the past 25 years have contributed to the MoU’s failure to achieve its objectives. As long as such tensions persist, progress on joint development will remain difficult, particularly because maritime boundaries must be agreed upon before any cooperation can proceed.

Rachada added that it is therefore appropriate to withdraw from the existing framework and develop a new one to reduce conflict and enable the practical use of undersea resources.

The NSC will now proceed with the necessary legal steps and submit the matter to the Cabinet for immediate consideration.