Bangkok: Ratchada emphasized that the cancellation of MOU 44 does not close the door to negotiations, but merely uses the international UNCLOS framework to protect national interests instead.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Rachada Thanadirek, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the Cabinet meeting resolved to cancel the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU 44) concerning the overlapping continental shelf claims between Thailand and Cambodia. Instead, the Cabinet decided to utilize international legal mechanisms under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the primary tool for addressing the issue and enhancing the protection of national interests.

The spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office stated that this approach is consistent with the proposals and information provided by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkaew, who clarified the need to adjust the framework of operations to keep pace with the situation and to adhere to internationally accepted international law.

The Prime Minister's spokesperson reiterated that the cancellation of MOU 44 is a "framework adjustment" for cooperation, not a termination of relations or negotiations. Thailand will continue discussions with Cambodia, but will now utilize the mechanisms under UNCLOS, which are clearer, more comprehensive, and more systematic, to ensure more effective resolution of maritime issues.

The original MOU 44 aimed to provide guidelines for joint management of marine resources in the overlapping area between Thailand and Cambodia. However, over the past 20 years, no concrete progress has been made. Therefore, it is necessary to review and modify the approach to ensure that future actions yield clear results and align with Thailand's interests.

The spokesperson added that Thailand remains committed to the principle of respecting international law and is ready to utilize the processes under UNCLOS, which encompass both legal provisions and practices, in resolving disputes between states parties, particularly by stipulating that in cases of overlapping claims, negotiation and discussion should be the primary approach.

Furthermore, Thailand has informally notified Cambodia and will proceed with formal notification. The country is also preparing to explore the possibility of jointly using the UNCLOS framework in negotiations. Meanwhile, the government is in the process of establishing a technical and legal committee to support the systematic and comprehensive implementation of the new framework.

"The transition from MOU 44 to the UNCLOS framework is an upgrade to the negotiating tools, based on the international law that Thailand has always adhered to. It does not mean the end of cooperation. Thailand will continue constructive negotiations, prioritizing national interests and aiming for concrete results," said the Prime Minister's spokesperson.