Anutin Reports Cambodia Acknowledges Thailand's Cancellation of MOU 44, Agrees to Uphold UNCLOS Framework

At 7:45 p.m. on May 7, 2026 local time at the Shangri-La Mactan Hotel in Cebu, Philippines, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces General Nattapong Praekaew, announced the results of trilateral discussions between Thailand, the Philippines, and Cambodia held during the ASEAN summit in Cebu. The Prime Minister stated that the Philippine President sought to maintain an atmosphere of cooperation and understanding in the ASEAN region, prompting him to invite Thai and Cambodian leaders for consultations. Thailand brought foreign affairs and security delegations to reaffirm its commitment to peaceful approaches while preserving sovereignty and the interests of the Thai people.

Anutin reported that the meeting received updates on security measures and military cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia in accordance with previous agreements, with no violent incidents reported along the border over the past five months. He explained Thailand's rationale for canceling the 2544 MOU, which Cambodia understood and acknowledged. Both countries agreed that UNCLOS would serve as the fundamental framework for future operations, though practical details still require further discussion.

Both parties agreed to begin discussions at all levels gradually, through the Joint Border Committee (JBC) and General Border Committee (GBC), as well as between foreign ministers, to benefit both nations' populations while adhering to the ceasefire agreement and previously established guidelines to foster peace and mutual trust. The Prime Minister characterized these discussions as a positive signal reflecting a trend toward strengthening peace and stability between the two nations, emphasizing that the issues are governmental matters rather than conflicts between the peoples. He urged all parties to ensure the safety of Thai nationals in Cambodia and Cambodian nationals in Thailand without discrimination.

Anutin called for bilateral negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia based on constructive dialogue free from third-country pressure to prevent escalation of conflict. He clarified that these discussions do not involve border demarcation or border opening, only agreement to begin working-level consultations, with foreign ministry officials and military leaders to continue detailed discussions. The Prime Minister emphasized that Thailand would fully protect national honor, sovereignty, and the interests of the Thai people through careful implementation to prevent losses in the negotiation process.