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Ministry of Foreign Affairs Cites Historical Treaty to Assert Koh Kood’s Sovereignty.

Bangkok: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has employed the Siam-France Treaty to assert Thailand's sovereignty over Koh Kood, amidst claims by Cambodia. During a recent press conference, the ministry defended the contentious MOU 44, emphasizing that it neither contravenes the royal command concerning the continental shelf nor holds international legal weight. The ministry is awaiting Cabinet approval to establish the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) with 'Phumtham' appointed as chairman. According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited both Thai and international media for a briefing on the Overlapping Claims Area (OCA) between Thailand and Cambodia. Mr. Nikorndej Plangoon, Director-General of the Department of Information, and Mrs. Suphannawasa Chotikayan Tang, Director-General of the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs, addressed public concerns regarding the issue. They explained the maritime zones, international laws, and the origin of the OCA, which covers approximately 26,000 s quare kilometers in the Gulf of Thailand. The 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Thai and Cambodian governments serves as a framework for negotiations without endorsing the other party's maritime claims. Both countries are committed to resolving the matter based on international law and mutual interests, using the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) as the principal negotiation mechanism. Previous JTC meetings took place in 2001 and 2002, with several sub-mechanisms supporting the process. The Ministry reiterated that any agreement requires acceptance from both countries' citizens, parliamentary approvals, and compliance with international law. The Director-General further clarified misconceptions about the 2001 MOU, stating it does not jeopardize Thailand's claim over Koh Kood, nor does it conflict with royal directives. The MOU is a negotiation tool, not an acceptance of Cambodia's maritime claims. Despite past proposals to cancel the MOU due to strained relations, the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs found its advantages outweigh the disadvantages and proposed its continued use as a negotiation framework. This approach has been endorsed by successive Thai governments, recognizing its role in safeguarding national interests. In response to Cambodia's construction activities in the disputed area, Thailand has lodged multiple protests since 1998, effectively halting encroachments. The Ministry continues to assert sovereignty, with the Navy and National Security Council monitoring developments. Ms. Suphannawat Chotikayan Tang provided updates on the JTC's formation, highlighting a proposed committee consisting of approximately 20 members from various government sectors. The Cabinet's approval is anticipated soon, which will pave the way for renewed negotiations with Cambodia, potentially through subcommittee or committee-level meetings. The ongoing discussions emphasize MOU 44's role in guiding negotiations, though tangible progress remains in the preliminary stages.