Bangkok: The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) has announced its readiness to submit an open letter concerning the Koh Kood issue, arguing that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) in question poses a risk to Thailand’s territorial integrity. The party, led by Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, is determined to protect the nation’s sovereignty and natural resources, emphasizing that they cannot be a source of reliance for the people on this matter.
According to Thai News Agency, Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala, Chairman of the Academic Committee of the PPRP and former Minister of Finance, alongside ML Korkasiwat Kasemsri, an executive committee member, held a press conference urging the cancellation of the 2001 MOU. Thirachai stated that Gen. Prawit has instructed the party’s MPs and personnel to fully commit to safeguarding national sovereignty and resources that belong to the Thai people.
ML Korkasiwat reiterated the importance of adhering to the Royal Command of 1973 by King Rama IX, which outlined the exercise of sovere
ign rights over the natural resources of the Gulf of Thailand. This command was based on the Geneva Convention on the Continental Shelf of 1958, stressing the need for adherence to international legal principles. He argued that Cambodia’s drawing of a maritime border conflicts with this directive and violates the Geneva Convention, raising concerns over the legitimacy of the 2001 MOU.
ML Korkasiwat further highlighted the potential risk of losing territory, akin to the Preah Vihear temple incident, due to conflicting official documents that foreign countries might exploit. He emphasized the necessity of cancelling the 2001 MOU, which falls under Cabinet authority, and called for urgent action by the Prime Minister. The PPRP is set to address this issue at a press conference and submit the open letter to Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra on October 30, 2024, at the Parliament building.