Sihasak Unconcerned over Cambodia's UN Request for MOU 2000

Matichon•Politics•8d ago

Reader Briefing

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow states that Cambodia's move to seek UN certification for MOU 2000 and the 1:200,000 map does not affect Thailand.

•Sihasak Phuangketkeow addressed the issue of Cambodia requesting UN certification for MOU 2000 and the 1:200,000 map on August 5.
•Thailand is currently participating in the process of selecting conciliators under UNCLOS.
•Sihasak Phuangketkeow noted that Cambodia's preference for compulsory conciliation over bilateral negotiations has hindered discussions on land borders.
•Thailand previously canceled MOU 2001 due to a lack of progress over 20 years to restart negotiations under UNCLOS.

Overview

•Sihasak Phuangketkeow stated that MOU 2000 and related documents are already certified by the UN, meaning Cambodia's actions result in no new impact on Thailand.
•Sihasak Phuangketkeow mentioned that while Cambodia refers to the 1:200,000 map, Thailand also has a 1:50,000 map and references in treaties such as San Pan Nam.
•Regarding compulsory conciliation, Sihasak Phuangketkeow reported that both parties have submitted 6-7 names and must each select 3, with 4 conciliators currently appointed.
•Thailand previously canceled MOU 2001 because there had been no progress for 20 years and to move toward a new negotiation process under UNCLOS.
•Sihasak Phuangketkeow observed that Cambodia became a party to UNCLOS in March and questioned why Cambodia would not attempt bilateral negotiations first.
•Sihasak Phuangketkeow stated that by choosing the compulsory conciliation mechanism over bilateral talks, Cambodia has effectively closed the door on discussions regarding land borders.
•Sihasak Phuangketkeow expressed concern that the Human Rights Commission's reports, specifically by Tom Andrew, could be used as tools by Cambodia despite the sensitive political situation.

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Source: Matichon (Original)

Key Entities

Person

Sihasak Phuangketkeow(สีหศักดิ์ พวงเกตุแก้ว)ℹ️

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

Tom Andrew(ทอม แอนดรูว์)

A special rapporteur who reported on human rights in Cambodia.

Place

Cambodia(กัมพูชา)ℹ️

A country seeking UN certification for MOU 2000 and engaging Thailand in compulsory conciliation.

Thailand(ไทย)ℹ️

The country responding to Cambodia's requests and participating in UNCLOS processes.

Philippines(ฟิลิปปินส์)ℹ️

The location of the ASEAN Summit where leaders of Thailand and Cambodia spoke bilaterally.

Organization

UN(ยูเอ็น)ℹ️

The international organization where MOU 2000 is already certified and which appoints conciliators.

Human Rights Commission(คณะกรรมการสิทธิมนุษยชน)ℹ️

The body whose functions involve reporting on human rights and should consider political sensitivities.

Policy

MOU 2000(MOU 2543)

A Memorandum of Understanding from 2000 involving maps and border certifications.

MOU 2001(MOU 2544)

A Memorandum of Understanding canceled by Thailand due to 20 years of lack of progress.

Law

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea(อนุสัญญาสหประชาชาติว่าด้วยกฎหมายทะเล)ℹ️

Also known as UNCLOS, the framework governing the compulsory conciliation process.

UNCLOSℹ️

The abbreviation for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.