Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai indicated that the Thai Cabinet is unlikely to approve members for the Joint Technical Committee with Cambodia due to scheduling conflicts. The committee aims to address overlapping territorial claims in the Gulf of Thailand as per a 2001 memorandum. Furthermore, he clarified that the MoU does not contain agreements that can be revoked, contrary to nationalist demands.
The establishment of a Joint Technical Committee (JTC) between Thailand and Cambodia is unlikely to receive the Cabinet’s approval in the near future, noted Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The Minister highlighted his prior commitment to attend the ASEAN Plus Defence Ministerial Meeting in Laos, coinciding with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s return from the APEC summit in Peru. Given these circumstances, Minister Phumtham expressed doubt regarding Thai candidates’ consideration for the committee, which aims to discuss overlapping territorial claims in the Gulf of Thailand. The Joint Technical Committee is expected to facilitate dialogue regarding the overlapping territorial claims established under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the two nations in 2001. In light of ongoing nationalist sentiments advocating for the cancellation of the MoU, Minister Phumtham clarified that there was no formal agreement to revoke, as the MoU merely documented claims without establishing a resolution.
The relationship between Thailand and Cambodia is characterized by historical complexities, particularly concerning territorial disputes in the Gulf of Thailand. The establishment of the Joint Technical Committee aims to address these disputes and promote cooperative dialogue. The 2001 memorandum of understanding serves as a foundation for these discussions, although it does not constitute a binding agreement between the two nations. Current diplomatic engagements and commitments may influence the timely formation of the committee. Moreover, national sentiment regarding territorial integrity and the stewardship of natural resources in the Gulf remains a pivotal point in Thai domestic policy discussions. Minister Phumtham’s comments reflect the cautious approach the Thai government is taking in international diplomacy amid these domestic pressures.
In summary, the formation of the Joint Technical Committee between Thailand and Cambodia faces delays due to scheduling conflicts within the Thai Cabinet. The Deputy Prime Minister’s remarks indicate that the MoU from 2001 is merely a documentation of claims rather than an agreement that can be canceled. This situation highlights the complexities involved in resolving territorial disputes and the impact of domestic political commitments on international relations.
Original Source: www.nationthailand.com
