Thailand Says MOU 44 Revocation Will Not End Talks With Cambodia

Thailand Says MOU 44 Revocation Will Not End Talks With Cambodia

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, April 28, 2026 — Thailand has informed Cambodia that it is proceeding with plans to revoke the maritime agreement known as MOU 44, but said the move would not bring bilateral negotiations to an end, Thai officials said on Monday.

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow raised the issue during talks with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn on the sidelines of the ASEAN-European Union Ministerial Meeting in Brunei.

According to Thai officials, Sihasak told the Cambodian side that Bangkok was moving ahead with the process of revoking MOU 44, formally the Memorandum of Understanding between Thailand and Cambodia regarding overlapping maritime claims on the continental shelf.

He stressed, however, that Thailand remained committed to continuing bilateral dialogue despite the planned withdrawal.

The agreement, signed to provide a framework for managing overlapping maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand, has long been linked to discussions over resource development and maritime boundary negotiations.

Thailand’s decision to revoke the pact could add uncertainty to future talks over disputed offshore areas believed to hold energy resources, although officials signalled that diplomatic engagement would continue.

Neither side immediately disclosed further details of the discussion or a timeline for the revocation process.

The meeting came amid broader regional diplomacy during the ASEAN-EU ministerial gathering in Brunei.