Bangkok: “Chanyapha” has clarified that the closure of the recent parliamentary session was due to a misunderstanding. The Speaker and Whip have advised the opposition to propose a fresh study of MOU 43-44, asserting that the parliament is prepared to consider it. It emphasizes that new political parties should move beyond behaviors aimed solely at toppling the government, instead focusing on upholding principles and facts.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Chayapa Sindhuphrai, deputy spokesperson for the Pheu Thai Party, addressed the abrupt closure of Parliament on August 21st. She emphasized that the opposition misled the public into believing the session was closed to avoid their proposed motion to establish a special committee to study and consider MOU 43 and MOU 44. She clarified that the incident resulted from miscommunication between the Speaker of the House, the government whip, and the opposition whip, with no ulterior motives involved. The government and the Pheu Thai Party firmly believe in the parliamentary system as a collaborative platform for solving issues for the people. The opposition is welcome to propose a motion to establish a special committee to study and consider the MOUs for the House of Representatives’ consideration.
The Pheu Thai Party’s deputy spokesperson reiterated the party’s commitment to protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity based on facts. He explained that MOU 43 (2000) is a framework for cooperation in establishing the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) with Cambodia, serving as a systematic dispute management mechanism. MOU 44, meanwhile, facilitates negotiations on maritime demarcation and joint development in overlapping claim areas, reinforcing bilateral negotiations in line with international law.
Ms. Chayapa warned that revoking the MOUs could contradict intentions to protect the nation’s sovereignty. She advocated for collaboration to uncover the truth and counter any hidden agendas aimed at overthrowing the elected government.
She highlighted that border disputes, like those between Thailand and Cambodia, are common worldwide, with states using bilateral negotiation platforms similar to MOUs 43 and 44 for joint border demarcation. Canceling these MOUs without a comprehensive assessment could eliminate a crucial mechanism for dialogue, a globally recognized standard for resolving border disputes. She noted similar actions with Myanmar, Laos, and Malaysia, with notable progress especially in the Malaysian and Laotian cases.
The deputy spokesperson reiterated the party’s support for peaceful assembly rights, condemning any attempts to distort information to foster hatred. She urged opposition parties to recognize the importance of the MOUs as tools for peaceful negotiation, warning that without them, third parties might assert jurisdiction over territorial disputes, threatening sovereignty.
Ms. Chayapa urged political parties, especially those representing the new generation, to base their strategies on reason and expertise, avoiding political maneuvers aimed solely at toppling the government.
She also discussed ongoing relief efforts for those affected by the Thai-Cambodian border situation. Pheu Thai Party MPs are actively monitoring these efforts to ensure timely and fair distribution. The party remains committed to coordinating with government agencies to support affected citizens, recognizing the complexity of relief efforts in border conflicts compared to natural disasters.