On the 5th, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhonn issued a statement saying that after Thailand decided that day to abolish the 2001 memorandum of understanding regarding overlapping maritime areas between the two countries, Cambodia will initiate the compulsory dispute settlement procedure under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
He said that the memorandum of understanding signed in 2001 was the only bilateral framework between Cambodia and Thailand aimed at peacefully resolving overlapping maritime claims and delimiting maritime boundaries in accordance with international law. The Cambodian side believes that terminating or withdrawing from the memorandum runs counter to the spirit and political will of establishing a framework for peacefully resolving these issues on the basis of international law. The Cambodian side once again expressed regret over Thailand’s decision.
He stated that Thailand’s termination or withdrawal from the memorandum does not affect Cambodia’s legitimate rights to its maritime areas. The Cambodian side has decided to seek compulsory arbitration under UNCLOS, reiterating its commitment to peacefully resolving maritime disputes and adhering to international law.
On the 5th, Thai government spokesman Ratchada said that a Cabinet meeting had decided to abolish a memorandum of understanding with Cambodia regarding overlapping maritime areas between the two countries, and would instead adopt the mechanism of international law under the framework of UNCLOS to better safeguard national interests.