Phumtham Wechayachai Defends Thailand-Cambodia MoU Amid Territorial Dispute Over Koh Kut

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In a gripping unfolding of regional dynamics, Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has taken a resolute stance against a recent move by political activists. These activists have petitioned the Constitutional Court to nullify the 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Thailand and Cambodia, a relic of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s administration. Mr. Phumtham, who also serves with distinction as a deputy prime minister, publicly expressed his disapproval of this move on Friday, vehemently arguing that the cancellation of the MoU could dangerously exacerbate disputes over overlapping maritime claims to the detriment of Thailand. This debate is especially pertinent when considering Koh Kut, an idyllic island nestled in the shimmering waters of Trat province.

The Defence Minister passionately argues that the MoU, deftly overseen by former foreign minister Surakiart Sathirathai, has never wavered in its affirmation of Koh Kut as an integral part of Thai territory. He emphatically notes the absence of any territorial challenges from Cambodia regarding this picturesque isle. “Each country embraces the principle of extending its territorial claims 200 nautical miles out from its continental shelf. However, the relatively confined nature of the Gulf of Thailand leads to inevitable overlaps on either side,” Phumtham points out.

He further elaborates, “Across the globe, from Malaysia to Vietnam, nations resort to bilateral discussions to forge mutually beneficial agreements, without delving into territorial disputes. As for our own territorial rights, the French colonial maps have long established Koh Kut as belonging unequivocally to Thailand, a fact yet to be contested.”

In a somewhat provocative statement aimed at alleviating concerns, Phumtham reassures, “There’s absolutely no need to fret over the prospect of losing Koh Kut to Cambodia. What truly matters,” he continues with a glint of optimism, “is the untapped potential of oil reserves.” He issues a sage warning, “Inaction over the next decade could render oil extraction from this overlapping area in the Gulf of Thailand pointless, given the global shift towards electric vehicles over traditional combustion engines. It would truly be a missed opportunity for our nation to leverage this resource.”

Amidst this dialogue, ML Kornkasiwat Kasemsri, a prominent voice from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), has issued an impassioned plea to the government. He calls for the parliamentary revocation of the 2001 MoU, asserting that negotiating under its auspices implicitly concedes the existence of overlapping territories, perilously opening the door to disputes over Koh Kut.

Kornkasiwat invokes historical precedence, citing a French-Siamese treaty inked during King Rama V’s illustrious reign. According to this treaty, the French relinquished the regions of Dan Sai and Trat to Siam—an agreement which included all islands positioned south of Laem Ling (Laem Sing), with Koh Kut among them. He criticizes the 2001 MoU for acknowledging Cambodia’s boundary claims without leveraging any international legal support.

In a rather revealing disclosure, he accuses the Thai government of misleading claims that joint extraction of oil and gas could ostensibly lower energy costs for consumers. “This narrative is but an illusion,” he alleges, noting that Thai authorities had already handed over significant petroleum concessions to Western corporations. Meanwhile, Thailand’s share remained akin to mere royalties and taxes, both deemed paltry in comparison.

As legal and political figures continue to clash over the geopolitical minutiae of maritime borders and resource allocation, the unfolding saga remains as tense as it is intriguing. Whether the MoU’s fate will be sealed in judiciary standoffs or diplomatic discourse is yet to be seen, although it is apparent that the stakes are high, as are the nationalistic fervor and ambitions of an entire region.