Bangkok: The Pheu Thai Party has expressed concerns regarding the Anutin government’s decision to hold a referendum aimed at canceling Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) 43 and 44 with Cambodia, emphasizing that the move appears to be driven by a desire for political popularity over national interests.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Khattiya Sawatdiphon, deputy spokesperson for the Pheu Thai Party, addressed the government’s plan to potentially revoke the MOUs concerning the Survey and Demarcation of Land and Maritime Boundaries between Thailand and Cambodia. She argued that the government might be shifting a significant political burden onto the public, even though it possesses the authority to make such decisions independently. Ms. Khattiya stressed the importance of providing clear explanations if MOUs 43 and 44 are deemed inappropriate, and cautioned against resorting to an emotional and potentially confusing referendum process for such a complex international issue. She emphasized the need for factual information and understanding of international law to maintain Thailand’s global credibility.

Concerns have been raised about Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s focus on gaining political popularity at the expense of long-term national interests. The Pheu Thai Party questions the rationale behind discussing MOU revocation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, noting that any decision to cancel these agreements could significantly affect Thailand’s global standing. Ms. Khattiya stressed the necessity of prioritizing input from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is directly responsible for the issue.

In her remarks, Ms. Khattiya also called on Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeaw to clearly articulate her stance on the MOUs. She urged the government to clarify how it plans to address the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, should the MOUs be canceled, as this pertains to national sovereignty. She warned that border demarcation should not be driven by emotional or social influences, and highlighted the potential for public confusion and irreversible damage if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not provide a clear outline of the pros and cons involved.