National —
On November 4th, 2024, Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra and coalition leaders held a key meeting to discuss progress on various government matters, including Cambodia’s controversial 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Following the two-hour meeting, Paetongtarn firmly reassured the public that Koh Kood remains under Thailand’s sovereignty, a fact recognized by Cambodia according to treaties dating back to the French colonial era.
She emphasized that the current government will not cede any Thai territory, stating, “We will not lose even an inch of land.”
Paetongtarn clarified that the MOU does not concern Koh Kood itself, but rather addresses maritime boundary negotiations in the surrounding waters. She also stated that any resolution would require mutual agreements, with discussions handled through a bilateral framework.
Thailand is in the process of establishing a new committee to represent the nation in future talks, with members from key ministries, including Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Energy. Cambodia’s counterpart committee is already in place, and the two sides will soon begin discussions.
In response to public concerns and calls to cancel the MOU, Paetongtarn explained that doing so unilaterally could result in legal action from Cambodia. She stressed that the MOU is an essential tool for diplomatic negotiations and reassured citizens that Koh Kood has never been a part of any disputed negotiations.
Addressing questions on whether her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, would play a role in these talks, Paetongtarn said that while good relations can help, official committees must handle any negotiations to ensure fairness.
She reaffirmed her commitment to protecting Thailand’s sovereignty and interests, stating, “Thailand and its people come first.”
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
