Phnom Penh Calls Thai Exit from Maritime MOU “Deeply Regrettable”

Phnom Penh Calls Thai Exit from Maritime MOU “Deeply Regrettable”

PHNOM PENH, April 8, 2026 — Cambodia has urged Thailand to maintain a key bilateral maritime agreement, warning that any unilateral withdrawal would undermine cooperation and efforts to resolve overlapping claims.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Phnom Penh responded to reports that Thailand is considering withdrawing from the 2001 memorandum of understanding (MOU) on overlapping maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand.

The ministry said the agreement reflects the “genuine political will and common intent” of both countries to pursue a mutually acceptable framework for joint resource development while advancing maritime boundary delimitation in accordance with international law.

Cambodia stressed that the MOU remains in force until its objectives are fully achieved and described it as a symbol of goodwill, cooperation and shared prosperity between the two nations.

“It would be deeply regrettable if Thailand were to unilaterally withdraw,” the statement said, adding that such a move would depart from the cooperative spirit underpinning the agreement.

Phnom Penh reaffirmed its commitment to both the letter and spirit of the MOU and called for continued adherence to good faith principles that guided its conclusion in 2001.

The development comes amid renewed scrutiny over maritime boundaries and offshore resource potential in the region, with both countries facing growing strategic and economic interest in energy exploration.

Thailand has not officially confirmed any decision regarding withdrawal from the agreement.