Thailand: 'Koh Kood Island' is a non-negotiable red line in maritime border talks with Cambodia

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew addressed the situation between Thailand and Cambodia following his participation in the BRICS Summit. He stated that no leaders or foreign ministers inquired about or expressed concern regarding the bilateral situation, viewing it as an issue that both countries should resolve through direct dialogue. Sihasak is scheduled to travel to Singapore to attend the first meeting in the compulsory dispute settlement process under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) concerning the maritime boundary between Thailand and Cambodia. He affirmed Thailand's confidence in this process, as its position is based on international law. However, Thailand still believes that bilateral negotiations should be the most suitable approach, and only if an agreement cannot be reached should other mutually agreed-upon mechanisms be considered. Regarding Cambodia's claim that Thailand's abrogation of MOU 44 led to this process, Sihasak clarified that the MOU was approximately 26 years old and had seen no progress. Therefore, Thailand wishes to initiate a new process, proposing that both sides first attempt negotiations, perhaps setting a timeframe such as six months, to see if progress can be made before considering other mechanisms. Sihasak pointed out that Cambodia's method involves creating advantages and applying pressure. However, Thailand has no problem with this as it is prepared. He reiterated that Thailand's emphasis on bilateral negotiations does not mean it rejects international law; rather, it recognizes that law alone cannot resolve all dimensions of the issues between the two countries. Even the compulsory dispute settlement process under UNCLOS does not result in legally binding outcomes. The conciliator will propose solutions deemed consistent with international law and fairness, after which both parties must return to discussions. Nevertheless, Sihasak affirmed that with the process having reached this stage, Thailand is ready, knows where the country's interests lie, and will stand on the principles of international law. When questioned about Thailand's "red line" in the dispute settlement process, particularly concerning Koh Kood Island, Sihasak clearly stated that sovereignty over Koh Kood is not a subject of doubt or negotiation. "The matter of Koh Kood is absolutely non-negotiable. We affirm that there are no issues with Koh Kood. Koh Kood belongs to Thailand," he emphasized. Sihasak stated that Koh Kood belongs to Thailand under a convention established during the period when Cambodia was a French colony. Meanwhile, Thailand's "red line" in discussions on maritime boundaries is that all claims and boundaries must adhere to the norms of international law. Thailand's stance remains open to negotiations and ready to enter the international legal process. However, it believes that the most sustainable solution to Thailand-Cambodia issues lies in resuming direct talks, building trust, and finding an agreement acceptable to both countries. Source: INN News