Thailand-Cambodia: Discuss Before UNCLOS, Says Sihasak

Matichon•International•15d ago

Reader Briefing

Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak Puangketkaew stated that Thailand and Cambodia should hold bilateral discussions before engaging with the UNCLOS framework to resolve maritime disputes.

•Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Puangketkaew provided clarification on Cambodia's stance regarding maritime negotiations.
•Thailand believes bilateral talks are essential before any referral to the UNCLOS framework.
•The discussion was held in New Delhi, India, on May 14th.
•There is speculation about former National Security Council Secretary-General Gen. Somsak Rungsittha chairing the Thai side of the JBC for Thailand-Cambodia.

Overview

•On May 14, at 21:14 local time in New Delhi, India, Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak Puangketkaew addressed the issue of Cambodia's stated intention regarding maritime negotiations.
•Sihasak Puangketkaew emphasized that for Thailand, it is seen as necessary to have discussions between the two countries first.
•The context involves Cambodia's President of the Senate, Hun Sen, stating an unwillingness to engage in bilateral negotiations with Thailand and preferring to use the UNCLOS mechanism with a mediator.
•Sihasak Puangketkaew noted that while Cambodia might prefer compulsory negotiation mechanisms under UNCLOS, Thailand believes bilateral discussions should precede any compulsory measures.
•The UNCLOS framework includes mechanisms for compromise, both voluntary and compulsory.
•Sihasak Puangketkaew indicated that compromise mechanisms, regardless of type, are not legally binding but serve as guidelines for both countries to resolve issues.
•This issue follows previous negotiations, such as the MOU 44.
•Regarding the news of Gen. Somsak Rungsittha possibly chairing the Thai side of the JBC, Sihasak Puangketkaew indicated it is likely true due to Gen. Somsak's expertise in neighboring countries and security experience.

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Key Quotes

Sihasak Puangketkaew

"Currently, negotiations within the UNCLOS framework or the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 include mechanisms for compromise, both voluntary and compulsory. Thailand believes it is necessary to discuss first."

ในตอนนี้การเจรจาในกรอบ UNCLOS หรือ อนุสัญญาสหประชาชาติว่าด้วยกฎหมายทะเล ค.ศ. 1982 ซึ่งการเจรจาก็จะมีกลไกในเรื่องของการประนีประนอม ทั้งโดยสมัครใจและแบบบังคับ สำหรับประเทศไทยนั้นก็เห็นว่าจำเป็นที่จะต้องมีการพูดคุยกันก่อน

Sihasak Puangketkaew

"However, Thailand believes that before resorting to compulsory measures, a bilateral discussion between the two parties is advisable."

แต่ทางไทยก็เห็นว่า ก่อนที่จะใช้ภาคบังคับก็ควรที่จะมีการพูดคุยกัน 2 ฝ่ายก่อน ดีหรือไม่

Key Entities

Person

Sihasak Puangketkaew(สีหศักดิ์ พวงเกตุแก้ว)ℹ️

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand who commented on maritime dispute resolution mechanisms.

Hun Sen(สมเด็จฯ ฮุนเซน)ℹ️

President of the Senate of Cambodia and acting Head of State of Cambodia, whose statement on maritime negotiations was discussed.

Gen. Somsak Rungsittha(พล.อ.สมศักดิ์ รุ่งสิตา)

Former Secretary-General of the National Security Council, rumored to be appointed as the Thai chairman of the JBC for Thailand-Cambodia.

Law

UNCLOSℹ️

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, a framework for maritime dispute resolution discussed by Thailand and Cambodia.

MOU 44

A previous Memorandum of Understanding that involved negotiations between the parties, referenced in the discussion about maritime dispute resolution.

Place

New Delhi(กรุงนิวเดลี)ℹ️

The capital city of India where Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak Puangketkaew made his statement.

Republic of India(สาธารณรัฐอินเดีย)ℹ️

The country where Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak Puangketkaew made his statement.