Cambodia warns against Thailand’s possible exit from 2001 maritime pact

PHNOM PENH, April 9, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has voiced concern over reports that Thailand is considering withdrawing from a long-standing maritime agreement between the two countries, warning such a move could undermine regional stability.

In a statement issued on April 8, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reflected the “genuine political will” of both nations to manage overlapping maritime claims peacefully.

The agreement covers an area of the continental shelf claimed by both sides and was designed to facilitate joint resource development while advancing efforts to define maritime boundaries in line with international law.

The ministry stressed that the MoU symbolised “friendship, cooperation and shared prosperity” and was intended to remain in force until its objectives were fully achieved.

Any unilateral withdrawal by Thailand, it said, would be “deeply regrettable” and risk undermining the cooperative spirit on which the pact was based.

Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to the terms and principles of the agreement, as well as the goodwill that led to its signing in 2001.

Political scientist Yang Peou said repeated attempts to revoke the MoU reflected a lack of willingness to resolve disputes peacefully, arguing that cancelling the deal would contradict commitments made by past Thai leaders and undermine agreed principles of international law.

Analysts warned that such a step could escalate tensions and weaken mechanisms designed to keep the dispute within legal and diplomatic frameworks.

Observers noted the debate comes at a sensitive time, with ASEAN emphasizing peaceful resolution of disputes under its charter.

Any unilateral withdrawal, they said, could strain Cambodia–Thailand relations and raise questions about stability along one of Southeast Asia’s most contested borders.