Bangkok: The Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee has extended an invitation to Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew to clarify the issue regarding a proposed referendum to cancel Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) 43-44, which relate to the survey and demarcation of land and maritime boundaries between Thailand and Cambodia. The Committee seeks answers on how the Thai government plans to handle potential conflicts with Cambodia.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sarasnan Annoppaporn, a Pheu Thai Party MP for Khon Kaen and Chairwoman of the House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Committee, has expressed concerns about the Anutin government’s plan to revoke these MOUs without careful consideration. She highlighted the complexity and national security implications of MOUs 43 and 44, stating that a public referendum may not be the most beneficial approach for Thailand.

Ms. Sarasnan pointed out that the existing MOUs have helped moderate violence and provide a framework for peaceful negotiations between the two countries. She warned that without these agreements, disputes might escalate, potentially attracting international intervention and turning the region into a proxy battlefield for superpowers.

A special committee has been established in the House of Representatives to study the MOUs, involving members with specialized knowledge. Ms. Sarasnan emphasized the importance of waiting for the committee’s conclusions rather than rushing into a referendum. She noted that the Foreign Affairs Committee has already reviewed MOU 44 and sought input from relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ms. Sarasnan argued that technical international legal matters should be handled by knowledgeable officials and not be subjected to a public referendum, which she believes would be a waste of resources. She called on Minister Sihasak to share his views on the MOUs and discuss potential mechanisms for peaceful negotiations if the agreements are abolished.

The government has yet to provide a clear plan for resolving the conflict with Cambodia without the MOUs. Ms. Sarasnan expressed concerns that canceling the agreements would reset negotiations to the beginning, as Cambodia may refuse to sign new agreements. She suggested that Cambodia might prefer to bring the issue to the international stage, potentially gaining an advantage over Thailand.