Anutin Announces Cabinet Approval to Terminate MOU 44, Set to Notify Cambodia; Confident Border Situation Unaffected
Thailand's cabinet approved termination of a 25-year maritime boundary agreement with Cambodia, with Prime Minister Anutin saying the move reflects policy rather than dispute and promising formal notification to Phnom Penh.
At 12:30 p.m. on May 5, 2025, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Minister announced the cabinet's decision to terminate MOU 44, the 25-year-old memorandum of understanding between Thailand and Cambodia regarding overlapping continental shelf claims. Anutin clarified that the termination is not related to disputes with Cambodia but rather reflects the government's policy decision, as the agreement has made no progress toward resolution. Thailand will reference international maritime law and UNCLOS, which both countries recognize as signatories, to guide future negotiations.
When asked about Cambodia's concerns that termination could escalate disputes, Anutin said he would need to consult with Cambodian leadership. He noted that no formal negotiations have yet begun and cautioned against making premature assumptions about their impact. Following termination, any new discussions would likely result in a different framework, potentially "MOU 70" rather than MOU 44.
Anutin confirmed that while the termination takes effect today, Thailand must formally notify Cambodia before sending official documentation. Regarding the upcoming 48th ASEAN Summit in the Philippines, he stated that meetings with Cambodia are inevitable but expressed no concern, reaffirming the government's commitment to "Thailand First" and protecting Thai interests. On border security concerns, Anutin assured the public that military forces are maintaining full vigilance along the Thai-Cambodian border, with the security situation actually improving based on weekly military briefings.
