"Government Spokesperson" Reveals Cabinet Resolution to Cancel MOU 2544 Emphasizes No Close Door

Today (5 May 2026), 2:00 PM at Government House, Ms. Rachada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced the results of the Cabinet meeting, stating that the Cabinet resolved to cancel the Memorandum of Understanding concerning the overlapping continental shelf claims between Thailand and Cambodia or MOU 2544. The resolution was to adjust the approach to use international law mechanisms under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the primary tool for action in order to enhance the protection of national interests.

Ms. Rachada stated that this approach is consistent with the proposals and information provided by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew, who explained the necessity of adjusting the framework to keep pace with the situation. This approach is also connected to internationally recognized laws.

Ms. Rachada reiterated that the cancellation of MOU 2544 is a “framework adjustment” for cooperation, not a termination of relations or negotiations. Thailand will continue discussions with Cambodia but will switch to the mechanisms under UNCLOS, which are clearer, more comprehensive, and more systematic, to ensure more effective resolution of maritime area issues. The original MOU 2544 aimed to provide guidelines for joint management of marine resources in the overlapping area between Thailand and Cambodia. However, over the past 20 years, no concrete progress has been achieved, largely due to ongoing disputes and differing priorities between the two nations regarding resource management and territorial claims. Therefore, it was necessary to review and adjust the approach to ensure that future actions yield clearer results and align with Thailand's interests.

Ms. Rachada added that Thailand remains committed to respecting international law and is ready to use the processes under UNCLOS, which encompasses both legal provisions and practices for resolving disputes between states, particularly the requirement that in cases of overlapping claims, negotiation is the primary approach. Furthermore, Thailand has informally informed Cambodia and will proceed with formal notification. Thailand is also preparing to invite Cambodia to use the UNCLOS framework for joint negotiations. Meanwhile, the government is establishing a technical and legal committee to support the systematic and comprehensive implementation of the new framework.

“The transition from MOU 2544 to the UNCLOS framework is an upgrade to the negotiating tools, based on the international law that Thailand has always adhered to. It does not mean the end of cooperation. Thailand will continue constructive negotiations, prioritizing national interests and aiming for concrete results,” Ms. Rachada said.