May 5, 2026, Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek disclosed that the cabinet approved the abrogation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Royal Thai Government and the Royal Government of Cambodia regarding the Area of their Overlapping Maritime Claims to the Continental Shelf, which was signed in 2001 (B.E. 2544), aka. MOU 44, and resolved to switch to an approach under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The resolutions aimed at enhancing protection of national interests. The cabinet’s approval is as proposed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who emphasized the necessity to adjust operation framework in order to keep up with current circumstances, while adhering to an internationally recognized international law. 

According to the Government Spokesperson, abrogation of MOU 44 is simply ‘reframing’ the cooperation, and not a termination of relations or negotiations. Thailand will continue its dialogue with Cambodia, but under the UNCLOS mechanism, which is clearer, more comprehensive, and more systematic. This is to ensure that maritime boundary issues be resolved in a more effective manner.

MOU 44 was earlier put in place as a framework for joint management of maritime resources in the overlapping area between Thailand and Cambodia. However, over the past 20 years, no tangible progress has been achieved. It is therefore necessary to review and adjust the approach in a bid to ensure tangible outcomes in line with Thailand’s interests.

The Government Spokesperson reaffirmed Thailand’s respect for the international laws. The country stands ready to carry out processes under UNCLOS which cover both legal provisions and guidelines for resolving disputes among states parties, especially in accordance with the UNCLOS stipulation that overlapping claims must be addressed primarily through negotiation and dialogue. Thailand has already notified Cambodia of this adjustment at an informal level and will soon proceed with formal notification. In parallel, the Thai Government is in the process of establishing a technical and legal committee to ensure that implementation under the new framework is systematic and comprehensive. 

The transition from MOU 44 to the UNCLOS is an elevation of the negotiation tool on the basis of an international law that Thailand has continued to uphold. This is not a termination of cooperation, and the country will continue constructive dialogues with Cambodia, taking into account national interests, with the aim of achieving tangible outcomes.