Transparency sought in Cambodia talks

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More power experts should be on the panels being created, according to the opposition party, to facilitate negotiations.

PUBLISHED: 3 Dec 2024 at 18: 44

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham (standing, third from left) joins members of the Koh Kut task force of the Royal Thai Navy during a visit to the island on Nov 9. Mr Phumtham and other ministers have asserted that Thai sovereignty over the island is not in dispute, despite some claims that the 2001 MoU with Cambodia could result in a loss of territory. (Photo: Government of Thailand Public Relations Department)
During a visit to the beach on November 9, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham (standing, second from left ) and members of the Royal Thai Navy’s Koh Kut work force. Despite some says that the 2001 MoU with Cambodia could lead to a loss of territory, Mr. Phumtham and other officials have argued that Thai independence over the area is unfeasible. ( Photo: Government of Thailand Public Relations Department )

The Thai government should ensure transparency when a joint technical committee (JTC ) is appointed to negotiate with Cambodia over disputed maritime areas, according to the opposition People’s Party.

People’s Party MP Supachot Chaiyasat said on Tuesday that the JTC does play a significant part in discussions regarding the joint development of an OCA and the delimitation of the sea boundary.

Previous governments noted that an earlier JTC composed more border professionals than power specialists, placing more emphasis on the border matter than on natural sources.

The Gulf of Thailand area that is being looked at is thought to have large oil and gas reserves. As the state attempts to advance conversations, a memorandum of understanding signed in 2001 while Thaksin Shinawatra was in charge of negotiations has become the subject of heated debate.

The JTC panel that will be established may be closely monitored, according to Mr. Supachot, and I anticipate that more energy experts may be appointed. &nbsp,

The original Prayut Chan-o-cha government’s commission has 16 people, but just two of them are from the Ministry of Energy, the MP said. The others were experts in international politics or boundary issues.

Mr. Supachot argued that clarity should be maintained by providing background and details about any council members ‘ shares in energy-related companies, as well as information about their spouses and children.

” People are concerned about the JTC’s appointment.” Do they intend to pursue social get? Or does strength businesses send their nominees for committee seats? Are those who are more qualified]to offer ] being excluded”? he asked artistically.

The government met on Tuesday but the JTC was not on the plan, said Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.

He said the government is gathering input from all parties and that it would be finished when the committee’s development would be complete. Additionally, he declined to specify whether the council would consist of minister of energy representatives.