Cambodia Defends MOU 2001 After Thai Withdrawal Move

Cambodia Defends MOU 2001 After Thai Withdrawal Move

PHNOM PENH, April 25, 2026 — Cambodia said on Friday it would deeply regret any unilateral Thai withdrawal from a 2001 memorandum governing overlapping maritime claims, warning such a move would depart from the cooperative spirit underpinning the agreement.

In a statement, Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry responded to reports that Thailand’s National Security Council had decided to withdraw from the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU-2001) covering overlapping continental shelf claims between the two neighbours.

Phnom Penh said the agreement was more than a technical arrangement, describing it as a reflection of the genuine political will and common interests of both countries.

The memorandum was designed to help Cambodia and Thailand pursue a mutually acceptable framework for the joint exploitation of resources in the Overlapping Claim Area (OCA) while simultaneously advancing maritime boundary delimitation in line with international law, the statement said.

Cambodia added that the accord embodied the goodwill of both nations to establish a maritime boundary defined by friendship, cooperation and shared prosperity.

“Thailand’s unilateral withdrawal from the MOU-2001 will be a step departing from the cooperative spirit underpinning the signing of this document,” the ministry said.

Cambodia said it remained firmly and consistently committed to both the letter and spirit of the agreement, as well as the goodwill and good faith that guided its conclusion in 2001.

The maritime overlap area in the Gulf of Thailand has long been viewed as potentially rich in hydrocarbon resources, making the issue economically and strategically sensitive for both countries.

The latest disagreement comes amid broader strains in Cambodia-Thailand relations, including unresolved border issues and heightened political tensions.

Neither side immediately announced whether fresh negotiations would be pursued, but analysts said any breakdown in the 2001 framework could complicate future energy cooperation and maritime boundary talks.