Thai Sang Thai Highlights Territorial Concerns Over Koh Kood and MOU 44 Between Thailand and Cambodia.

Bangkok: Thai Sang Thai has raised significant concerns regarding the territorial integrity of Koh Kood, urging against the diversion of Thai assets to foreign entities. The party emphasized the need for a thorough reassessment of the implications of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 44 between Thailand and Cambodia, questioning whether Thailand stands to gain or lose from this agreement. They assert that the cancellation of the MOU is within Thailand's sovereign rights. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Saknarong Siriporn Na Ratchasima, Deputy Secretary-General of the Thai Sang Thai Party, expressed his views following the Prime Minister's media briefing after meeting with coalition partners about MOU 44. He underscored that there should be no debate over Koh Kood's status as Thai territory. Instead, the focus should be on why the surrounding maritime zones, extending 12 nautical miles from the territorial land and further into the exclusive economic zone, were not addressed by the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Phumtham. Mr. Saknarong suggested there might be an intentional diversion of attention from these critical maritime areas, potentially for expedited negotiations that could compromise Thai sovereignty. Mr. Saknarong also pointed out an upcoming visit by Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Phumtham to Koh Kood on November 9, 2024, aimed at confirming the island's Thai status. However, he emphasized that reaffirming control over the maritime areas surrounding Koh Kood, as established by the 1973 Royal Decree, is far more critical than merely focusing on the island itself. The implications of MOU 44, as outlined in the agreement's map, suggest that parts of Thailand's Trat Province waters and the exclusive economic zone are claimed by Cambodia. Mr. Saknarong questioned the legitimacy of negotiating only the northern boundary while accepting a Joint Benefit-Sharing Border (JDA) in the south, which contradicts the 1973 Royal Decree. He urged for a complete negotiation of the border demarcation, proposin g that Cambodia redraw its border lines in accordance with international law. Dr. Saknarong called on the Thai government to thoroughly evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of MOU 44. He advocated for its cancellation if the terms disproportionately favor Cambodia, emphasizing that the MOU is a non-binding 'joint understanding' rather than a treaty. He encouraged the government to negotiate a new agreement without fear of legal repercussions, as the MOU does not impose binding obligations on either party. This flexibility, he noted, should empower Thailand to protect its sovereignty and align negotiations with its national interests.