Cambodia PR Team Responses Regarding Thailand’s Unilateral Withdrawal from the MOU-2001 May 11, 2026
Cambodia PR Team Responses Regarding Thailand’s Unilateral Withdrawal from the MOU-2001 May 11, 2026
Cambodia PR Team Responses Regarding Thailand’s Unilateral Withdrawal from the MOU-2001
May 11, 2026
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Q1: What is Cambodia’s stance on Thailand’s announcement regarding the revocation of the MOU-2001?
A: Cambodia expresses regret over the announcement by the Thai side, as the MOU-2001 is an important bilateral framework for peacefully resolving issues in the Overlapping Claims Area (OCA) based on international law. Nevertheless, Cambodia maintains a firm stance in resolving disputes through legal and peaceful means, having now resorted to the mechanism of Compulsory Conciliation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a mechanism designed to assist State Parties in resolving disputes peacefully and compulsorily in accordance with international law. This demonstrates a commitment to protecting national interests with the highest responsibility.
Q2: Does Thailand’s withdrawal from the MOU-2001 cause Cambodia to lose its right to claim the Overlapping Claims Area (OCA)?
A: Thailand’s withdrawal from the MOU-2001 does not cause Cambodia to lose its right to claim the Overlapping Claims Area (OCA). Cambodia’s right to claim the OCA are based on principles of international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), not solely on the MOU-2001. Therefore, regardless of any changes by the Thai side, Cambodia still retains its full legal rights to continue claiming and protecting its national interests through existing international mechanisms.
Q3: Is Thailand’s announcement regarding the revocation of the MOU-2001 fully legally valid?
A: Thailand’s announcement regarding the revocation of the MOU-2001 is not yet fully legally valid. To date, Cambodia has not yet received any official notification letter from the Thai side concerning the termination of the MOU-2001 in accordance with the procedures stipulated in Articles 65 and 67 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. Therefore, from the perspective of international law, a mere public statement through words alone cannot yet be considered as having fully completed the official procedure. Cambodia continues to adhere to respecting the content and spirit of this Memorandum.
