AKP Phnom Penh, April 25, 2026 --

Cambodia has expressed deep regret over Thailand’s reported decision to withdraw from the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU-2001) concerning the area of overlapping maritime claims between the two countries.

In a statement dated April 24, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said Cambodia views the reported unilateral move as a departure from the cooperative spirit that led to the signing of the agreement.

The response came following media inquiries regarding a recent decision by Thailand’s National Security Council to withdraw from the memorandum, which covers overlapping claims to the continental shelf between Cambodia and Thailand.

“As already expressed on 8 April 2026, it is deeply regrettable if Thailand decides to unilaterally withdraw from the MOU-2001,” read the statement. 

According to the spokesperson, the MOU-2001 represented more than a technical arrangement, It reflected genuine will and common interest of both countries to pursue, in good faith, a mutually acceptable framework for the joint exploitation of resources in the Overlapping Claim Area (OCA), while simultaneously advancing maritime boundary delimitation in accordance with international law. 

Moreover, the statement added, the MOU-2001 embodies the goodwill of both nations in their efforts to establish a maritime boundary defined by friendship, cooperation and shared prosperity.

“Thailand's unilateral withdrawal from the MOU-2001 will be a step departing from the cooperative spirit underpinning the signing of this document,” the spokesperson underlined. “Cambodia, for its part, remains firmly and consistently committed to both the letter and the spirit of the MOU-2001, as well as to the goodwill and good faith that guided its conclusion in 2001.”

By C. Nika