Cambodia’s Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Thai counterpart Sihasak Phuangketkeow talked about the border matter during the 25th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting in Brunei. They had open discussions on the border situation, confidence-building measures, and broader diplomatic relations between the two countries. Sokhonn emphasized the need for a genuine commitment to international law and existing agreements for lasting peace.
Both countries agreed to a ceasefire on December 27, 2025, following three weeks of armed conflict that resulted in casualties on both sides. Cambodia expressed regret over any unilateral withdrawal by Thailand from the maritime memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in 2001. The MoU aimed at jointly exploiting resources in overlapping maritime claims areas while progressing in maritime boundary delimitation according to international law.
Thailand’s potential withdrawal from the MoU-2001 was seen as a deviation from the cooperative spirit of the agreement. Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to the MoU-2001 and the goodwill it represented. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul disclosed the National Security Council’s decision to abolish the MoU, citing lack of progress. Thailand and Cambodia are now expected to negotiate within the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
