Thai Deputy PM Addresses Sovereignty Concerns Over Cambodia Agreement
Phumtham Visits Koh Kut Amidst 2001 MoU Controversy
On Saturday, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai visited Koh Kut in Trat province to address concerns regarding the 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia, which was signed under the Thaksin Shinawatra administration.
The island of Koh Kut is central to a dispute about overlapping claims in the Gulf of Thailand.
The Thai government assured that the MoU is intended to protect Thailand's interests and that the country maintains full sovereignty over the island.
Meanwhile, Warong Dechgitvigrom of the Thai Pakdee Party seeks to terminate the agreement and is campaigning for public support.
The Palang Pracharath Party, led by Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, also calls for the MoU's revocation.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra plans to form a Joint Technical Committee to negotiate maritime claims with Cambodia.
Warong insists Cambodia should ratify the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea before further talks.
The 2001 MoU distinguishes areas pending boundary discussions from zones designated for joint development.
Thaksin Shinawatra clarified in Bangkok that the MoU serves as a non-binding guideline for negotiations and emphasized its recognition under international law, including the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907.
Thaksin also refuted any connection between the agreement and his personal ties with Cambodia, highlighting his commitment to Thailand's interests during past regional tensions.
The island of Koh Kut is central to a dispute about overlapping claims in the Gulf of Thailand.
The Thai government assured that the MoU is intended to protect Thailand's interests and that the country maintains full sovereignty over the island.
Meanwhile, Warong Dechgitvigrom of the Thai Pakdee Party seeks to terminate the agreement and is campaigning for public support.
The Palang Pracharath Party, led by Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, also calls for the MoU's revocation.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra plans to form a Joint Technical Committee to negotiate maritime claims with Cambodia.
Warong insists Cambodia should ratify the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea before further talks.
The 2001 MoU distinguishes areas pending boundary discussions from zones designated for joint development.
Thaksin Shinawatra clarified in Bangkok that the MoU serves as a non-binding guideline for negotiations and emphasized its recognition under international law, including the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907.
Thaksin also refuted any connection between the agreement and his personal ties with Cambodia, highlighting his commitment to Thailand's interests during past regional tensions.
