Thailand's cabinet approves the abolition of the memorandum of understanding with Cambodia regarding maritime boundaries; Cambodia states it will initiate a mandatory mediation mechanism.

On May 5th local time, the Thai cabinet approved the abolition of a maritime memorandum with Cambodia. Thai Prime Minister Anutin stated that this move would not affect Thailand’s border stability. The memorandum was signed in 2001, focusing on negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia regarding maritime boundaries, including joint utilization of oil resources. Anutin on April 23rd announced the abolition of a memorandum signed during former Prime Minister Thaksin’s administration concerning overlapping maritime areas with Cambodia. Thai Navy Chief of Staff Thadawut Thirapat said that the reason for abolishing the memorandum is that it has been used for many years without progress. Cambodia has now joined the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and Thailand and Cambodia can negotiate within the framework of the convention. Later that day, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn issued a statement saying that Thailand’s unilateral decision to withdraw from the understanding memorandum on overlapping maritime areas does not affect Cambodia’s legitimate rights in the relevant waters. The memorandum is the only bilateral framework between the two countries regarding overlapping maritime areas. Cambodia believes that Thailand’s withdrawal deviates from the spirit and political will of peacefully resolving this issue under international law, expressed regret over this again, and said it would seek to initiate a compulsory dispute resolution mechanism under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. (CCTV News)