Today, the Cabinet of the Kingdom of Thailand approved a decision to terminate the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding concerning overlapping maritime claims between Cambodia and Thailand. The 2001 Memorandum of Understanding is the only bilateral framework between our two countries for addressing overlapping maritime claims and pursuing maritime boundary delimitation peacefully and in accordance with international law.
Cambodia views the termination of, or withdrawal from, the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding as a departure from the spirit and political will that enabled our two countries to establish a framework for peacefully resolving these issues in accordance with international law.
Cambodia once again expresses its regret over this decision. In response to the termination of the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding, Cambodia has no option but to initiate the compulsory conciliation mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, adopted in 1982.
Nevertheless, the termination of, or withdrawal from, the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding does not affect Cambodia’s lawful rights over its maritime areas. Cambodia’s decision to pursue compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS reaffirms its commitment to resolving maritime disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law.
