Thailand withdraws from 2001 maritime agreement, Cambodia calls move ‘regrettable’

PHNOM PENH, 25 April 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has expressed regret over Thailand’s decision to withdraw from a 2001 agreement on overlapping maritime claims, warning the move undermines the spirit of cooperation between the two countries.

Government spokesman Pen Bona said on Saturday that Cambodia viewed the decision as a step away from the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which set out a framework for joint resource development in the disputed continental shelf area of the Gulf of Thailand.

Signed in 2001, the MOU was intended to allow cooperation in the overlapping claims area while providing a basis for future maritime boundary delimitation in line with international law.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the agreement reflected the “genuine will and shared interests” of both nations, describing it as a framework built on mutual consent and goodwill.

“It is regrettable if Thailand decides to withdraw from the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding,” the ministry said, adding that the deal was designed to support “friendly cooperation and shared prosperity.”

Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to the letter and spirit of the agreement, stressing it remains dedicated to resolving maritime issues peacefully and cooperatively.