AKP Phnom Penh, May 02, 2026 --

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn has affirmed that Cambodia will continue to seek peaceful and law-based mechanisms to resolve maritime issues if Thailand decides to withdraw from the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 2001).

The statement was made during a special interview with the National Television of Cambodia (TVK) on May 1, addressing reports that Thailand may unilaterally revoke the MoU 2001, which governs the overlapping maritime claims area between the two countries.

H.E. Prak Sokhonn stressed that any decision by Thailand to abandon the agreement would effectively mean relinquishing the long-standing bilateral mechanism that has been in place for nearly 25 years to manage and resolve disputes in the overlapping continental shelf area.

He underlined that in the absence of this bilateral framework, Cambodia would continue its efforts to explore alternative avenues for peaceful resolution in accordance with international law.

The Deputy Prime Minister reiterated that Cambodia remains committed to respecting both the letter and spirit of the MoU 2001. However, should Thailand formally withdraw from the agreement, it would signify the termination of a mutually established mechanism designed to address maritime disputes between the two nations.

Cambodia, he added, remains steadfast in upholding peaceful approaches and legal principles in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Article in Khmer by Bunrith
Article in English by C. Nika