Cambodia will resort to international legal mechanisms, including compulsory conciliation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), if Thailand proceeds with a unilateral withdrawal from the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), a senior foreign affairs official said.
Speaking in a special interview on the National Television of Cambodia (TVK), Kung Phoak, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, expressed disappointment over reports that Thailand is considering terminating the long-standing agreement.
“We are very disappointed that the Thai side is considering unilaterally withdrawing from the Memorandum of Understanding between Cambodia and Thailand, also known as the MOU 2001,” he said.
Phoak stressed that Cambodia has consistently prioritised bilateral mechanisms under the MOU, which has served as a key framework for addressing overlapping maritime claims for more than two decades.
“For more than 25 years, this memorandum has played a crucial role as a mutually agreed bilateral framework for both sides to address overlapping maritime claims,” he said, adding that its implementation reflects “the spirit of cooperation and mutual goodwill”.
He warned that a unilateral withdrawal would effectively abandon the only existing bilateral framework relied upon by both countries.
“A unilateral withdrawal from this memorandum would reject the only bilateral framework that both parties have relied upon for more than two decades,” he said.
Addressing Cambodia’s possible response, Phoak said the country would turn to international law if the agreement is terminated.
“In the event that the Thai side unilaterally withdraws from this memorandum, Cambodia would be left with no choice but to rely upon international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, particularly the mechanism of compulsory conciliation under this Convention,” he said.
He noted that the UNCLOS conciliation mechanism is designed to help states resolve disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law.
“Cambodia’s decision reflects our sincere hope that both countries can reach a fair, just and lasting solution in line with international law, allowing our peoples to live together in peace, stability and harmony,” he added.
The Thai Cabinet is scheduled to meet on May 5, 2026, to review a formal proposal to scrap the MOU 2001 with Cambodia regarding overlapping maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand.
