Anutin says UNCLOS will guide future Thai-Cambodian negotiations

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Cambodia has acknowledged Thailand's cancellation of the 2001 memorandum of understanding, with both sides agreeing to use the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the key framework for future discussions. Speaking after a trilateral meeting between Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Cebu on Thursday evening, Anutin said both countries shared a commitment to peace, stability and constructive dialogue while protecting their national interests. The talks were held at the invitation of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who sought to promote cooperation and mutual understanding within ASEAN, Anutin said. Thailand brought representatives from its foreign affairs and security agencies to reaffirm its position of pursuing peaceful approaches alongside safeguarding sovereignty and the interests of the Thai people, he added. Anutin said the meeting reviewed progress on security measures and military coordination between Thailand and Cambodia, noting that no violent incidents had occurred along the border during the past five months. Thailand also explained its reasons for terminating the 2001 MOU, formally known in Thailand as MOU 2544, with Cambodia acknowledging and understanding Bangkok's position, he said. "Both countries agreed to adhere to the principles under UNCLOS as an important framework for future operations," Anutin said, adding that further discussions would still be needed on practical details. The two sides also agreed to gradually resume discussions at all levels, including through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), General Border Committee (GBC), and talks between foreign ministers, with the aim of generating mutual benefits for both peoples. Anutin stressed that all negotiations must remain based on the existing ceasefire agreement and previously agreed mechanisms in order to build trust and maintain a peaceful atmosphere. He described the discussions as a positive signal for strengthening peace and stability between Thailand and Cambodia, while insisting that the dispute was between governments and not between the peoples of the two countries. The prime minister also urged both countries to ensure the safety of Thai nationals in Cambodia and Cambodians in Thailand, and to prevent discrimination or inappropriate actions. Anutin said Thailand and Cambodia should continue bilateral discussions through constructive negotiations without pressure from third countries, warning against any escalation of tensions. He clarified that the talks did not involve negotiations on border demarcation or border reopening, but focused only on agreeing to begin operational-level discussions, with Thailand's foreign minister and deputy chief of defence forces expected to continue detailed talks. Thailand would fully protect its dignity, sovereignty and national interests throughout the process, he said.