bangkok: Phumtham Vejjayachai, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, has made a firm commitment to safeguarding Thailand’s maritime interests, asserting that he will defend them with the same dedication as if they were his own life. His comments come amid ongoing discussions about the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 44, a key mechanism in Thailand’s maritime negotiations.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phumtham emphasized that MOU 44 remains the best framework for negotiations concerning Thailand’s maritime territories. He explained that the MOU, which was first established in response to overlapping territorial claims between Thailand and Cambodia, should not be canceled as it plays a crucial role in maintaining Thailand’s rights over its maritime borders. The Deputy Prime Minister also reassured that Koh Kood, an island that has been a point of contention, unequivocally belongs to Thailand, with no claims from Cambodia.

Mr. Phumtham clarified that the Joint Technical Committee (J
TC) responsible for these negotiations is typically chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs, but he is not aware of the new committee’s composition. He noted that the JTC includes representatives from various ministries, including Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Energy, as well as relevant departments.

The Deputy Prime Minister addressed concerns stemming from the French-Siamese Treaty of the past, stating that historical treaties have established the current Thai-Cambodian border, and there is no basis for ceding any territory. He urged that discussions about giving away Koh Kood be dropped, as they do not align with the facts on the ground.

Mr. Phumtham further explained the origins of MOU 44, which arose in response to the declaration of the continental shelf by Cambodia and Thailand in the early 1970s, leading to overlapping claims. He insisted that the MOU is essential for ensuring fair negotiations and preserving Thailand’s maritime benefits, which are governed by international sea law
s.

Addressing political inquiries, Mr. Phumtham pointed out that the Palang Pracharath Party, whose leader was involved in past negotiations, should reflect on its historical stance. He dismissed suggestions that personal relationships, such as that between Mr. Thaksin and Cambodia, had any bearing on the MOU discussions, emphasizing that the issue is a matter of government policy.

Concluding his remarks, Mr. Phumtham urged the media and public to focus on factual elements of the maritime negotiations and not to be swayed by misinformation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting maritime benefits through adherence to international law, despite changes in government or committee members.