“Navy Chief of Staff” Responds to Policy, Backs Revocation of 2001 MOU

Today (April 23, 2026) at 11:15 AM at Government House, Admiral Thadawut Thadpitakul, Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Navy, gave an interview after the National Security Council (NSC) meeting, stating that the meeting discussed canceling the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) because it has been in use for a long time and has shown no progress. Now that Cambodia has become a member of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), discussions can be held among member states for Thailand's benefit.

When asked what tools would be used to manage international areas after the cancellation of the 2001 MOU, the Chief of Staff replied that they would use the principles of international law under UNCLOS, of which both Thailand and Cambodia became members in March of this year. When asked about the next steps in revoking the MOU 2001, Admiral Thadawut stated that the government will be the one to proceed. The Royal Thai Navy will be responsible for the implementation, following its established practice of safeguarding national maritime sovereignty. He added that once the government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has made a clear decision, the Navy is ready to act immediately in accordance with government policy.

When asked about the potential action if Cambodia objects, Admiral Thadawut replied that the matter would need to be discussed at an international level.

Photo : Khanisorn Lorthongdaeng