Thailand's Foreign Affairs Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, has clarified details regarding the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cambodia concerning the disputed maritime territory in the Gulf of Thailand.

The MoU establishes a framework for negotiating maritime boundaries and the sharing of economic benefits from energy resource development.

Maris emphasized that the MoU requires the formation of a Joint Technical Committee to address these issues simultaneously, as per international law.

He reassured that Koh Kut, in the eastern province of Trat, is not part of the discussions, asserting Thailand's sovereignty over the island, as supported by a 1907 treaty between Siam and France.

Maris also highlighted that the MoU includes a safeguard ensuring that maritime claims remain unaffected until an agreement is finalized and approved by parliament.

Pakorn Nilprapunt, Secretary-General of the Council of State, noted that unilateral cancellation of the MoU could harm bilateral relations, stressing the importance of mutual respect.

He advised against using the term 'overlapping area,' preferring 'claimed territory,' due to its legal implications.