Thai FM Says Koh Kood Sovereignty Not in Doubt
Thailand's foreign minister dismissed concerns over Koh Kood's sovereignty, stating the island remains unquestionably Thai territory despite Cambodia's registration of a disputed 2001 maritime memorandum. Officials are coordinating legal as
BANGKOK — May 12, 2026 — Thailand's deputy prime minister and foreign minister stated on Tuesday that Koh Kood island remains unquestionably Thai territory, dismissing reports that Cambodia had secretly registered a 2001 bilateral memorandum as evidence in a maritime boundary dispute.
Speaking at Government House at 8:45 a.m., Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow also announced that Thai authorities were arranging legal assistance for Thai nationals detained by Cambodian soldiers for allegedly crossing the border illegally while gathering forest products.
"The process is under way," Sihasak said. "Coordination regarding legal assistance has already been completed, and we are monitoring the situation closely."
Sihasak was responding to reports that Cambodia had registered the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding between Thailand and Cambodia concerning overlapping continental shelf claims, known in Thailand as "MOU 2544," which Thailand later revoked.
He noted that Cambodia is a signatory to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which Thailand also recognizes as the framework for future negotiations.
"The MOU 2544 has already been cancelled," he said. "Negotiations under UNCLOS are a good approach and avoid wasting time, although it is still too early to conclude which mechanism will ultimately be used."
When asked about reports that Cambodia intended to use the memorandum as evidence relating to a maritime boundary line allegedly passing through Koh Kood in Trat province, Sihasak rejected the claim.
"That is not possible," he said. "Under UNCLOS, maritime boundaries must be considered according to internationally recognized legal principles."
"I do not know what Cambodia may have secretly registered," he added. "What I know is that discussions will take place under UNCLOS."
Asked whether the issue would affect Thailand's sovereignty over Koh Kood, Sihasak stated that any formal demarcation would clearly demonstrate that the island belongs to Thailand.
