Thailand, Cambodia may agree on term
PUBLISHED: 7 Nov 2024 at 05: 46
Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa addressed concerns over upcoming discussions with Cambodia regarding issues relating to the Overlapping Claims Area ( OCA ) in the Gulf of Thailand, arguing that both countries must accept them in order for the negotiations to succeed.
According to the law, he said on Wednesday that any subsequent deal would need the government’s support and approval before it could be reached.
He also refuted claims made by some as impossible that one side would win the negotiations, which would be based on the contentious Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU) from 2001.
He claimed negotiations must be concluded before natural resources in the Gulf of Thailand can be exploited. Additionally, the MoU directly mandates that discussions on maritime boundaries and shared development take place at the same time.
Mr Maris said Thailand’s interests may be prioritised, with perks expected for Thai people, including clearly defined sea edges and more cheap energy assets.
According to the minister, Cambodia wo n’t lose its territorial title as a result of the MoU of 2001.
The image included in the MoU only depicts each nation’s claimed continental shelves area and does not imply a maritime boundary line. He added that the MoU encourages parallel discussions on sea borders and joint development, which is useful for Thailand.
PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who left on Wednesday for two regional conferences in Kunming, China, declined to comment on the discussions.
She did mention on Tuesday that the government is preparing to form a Joint Technical Committee (JTC ) in the upcoming two weeks to discuss issues relating to the OCA, and that the proposal is expected to be presented to the cabinet soon.
However, advocate Thaikorn Polsuwan wrote on Twitter that, following the 2019 votes, the Palang Pracharath Party-led state and Cambodia agreed to continue discussions under the 2001 MoU, although just one meeting was held.
Citing sources close to the issue, he said that during the meeting, Cambodia presented two proposals: for Thailand to recognise its 1972 territorial claim over half ofKoh Kutin Trat province, and designateKoh Kutas a joint economic development area.
The Thai committee requested an injunction upon learning of Cambodia’s ideas, and no further discussions have been held since.
Key members of the PPRP’s organization urge the Pheu Thai-led authorities to withdraw the 2001 MoU, arguing that it puts Thailand at a risk and risks regional loss.
However, Wichit Sukasuyanon, chairman of the Trat Tourism Association, expressed issue that concerns related to the 2001 MoU are affecting hospitality.
He claimed that some of the videos that are available on social media about the Gulf of Thailand’s maritime boundary are false and may have damaged viewers ‘ trust.