Published：May 5, 08:30Last updated：May 7, 12:44

Thailand Terminates Maritime Agreement with Cambodia

May. 5, 2026 08:30

On May 5, the Thai cabinet approved the abolition of a maritime memorandum with Cambodia, signed in 2001, which focused on negotiations over maritime boundaries and shared oil resources. Thai Prime Minister Anutin stated this move would not affect border stability. The Thai Navy cited lack of progress as the reason for the abolition. Cambodia has since joined the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, allowing negotiations under its framework.

Summarized

8News

6Media

May. 5, 2026 16:02

The Thai Cabinet decided to abolish a memorandum with Cambodia regarding overlapping maritime areas. Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhonn stated that this move does not affect Cambodia's legal rights in the disputed waters and that Cambodia will seek resolution through international legal mechanisms. The memorandum, signed in 2001, was the only bilateral framework for peacefully resolving overlapping maritime claims. Cambodia expressed regret over Thailand's decision to abandon the bilateral mechanism and will now pursue resolution under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

May. 7, 2026 12:44

Thailand and Cambodia committed to restoring bilateral relations after deadly clashes in 2025. The tensions had led to a diplomatic downgrade, as announced on May 7, 2026.

Thailand's cabinet has officially terminated a 2001 maritime memorandum with Cambodia, marking a significant shift in bilateral relations. The agreement, which focused on resolving overlapping maritime claims and shared oil resources, was abandoned due to years of deadlock. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul assured that the move would not destabilize the border, while Cambodia expressed regret and announced plans to seek resolution under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.Huanqiu+2

🌊 Background of the Agreement

The 2001 memorandum was the only bilateral framework for peacefully resolving overlapping maritime claims between Thailand and Cambodia. It aimed to address disputes over maritime boundaries and shared resources in the Gulf of Thailand. However, lack of progress and ongoing tensions led Thailand to terminate the agreement, citing the need for a more structured legal framework.Huanqiu+1

🛑 Reasons for Termination

The Thai Navy highlighted the lack of progress in negotiations as the primary reason for the termination. Thailand's decision reflects its preference to resolve disputes under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which Cambodia joined in recent years. This move aligns with Thailand's strategy to protect its national interests through international legal mechanisms.Huanqiu+1

🌍 Cambodia's Response

Cambodia expressed regret over Thailand's decision and reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful resolution. Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn emphasized that the termination does not affect Cambodia's legal rights in the disputed waters. Cambodia plans to initiate compulsory mediation under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to address the ongoing disputes.ChinaNews+1

🤝 Future of Bilateral Relations

Despite the termination of the maritime agreement, both nations have expressed a commitment to restoring bilateral relations. This follows deadly clashes in 2025 that led to a diplomatic downgrade. The recent developments underscore the complexities of resolving territorial disputes while maintaining regional stability.Bloomberg

CambodiaThailandPrak SokhonnAnutin CharnvirakulUN Convention on the Law of the Sea

topic.regionalNarratives

China

Coverage focuses on the legal and procedural aspects of the termination of the maritime memorandum and its implications for international dispute resolution.