A Thai senate panel backed the plan to revoke the United Nations (UN) registered border pact with Cambodia called MOU 43, a border agreement that focuses on conducting surveys for demarcation between the 2 countries. This decision comes after multiple field visits and discussion sessions from the panel as per Prime Minister Anutin’s instructions from last year.
The panel claimed that progress based on the MOU had been ineffective and slow, the Joint Border Commission (JBC) set up by MOU lacked authority and the countries involved were using different maps for demarcation. They also accused Cambodia of violating the MOU and questioned its legal validity. The panel concluded that Thailand could unilaterally revoke the agreement based on the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties if Cambodia was deemed to have violated the agreement.
Map of Cambodia – Thailand border. Source : Wikimedia Commons
Thai army intelligence units also warned that the conflict might reignite based on reports on Cambodia stockpiling weaponry and troop movements along the border.
Cambodia’s State Secretariat for border affairs rejected the plan and reminded that the MOU is legally binding and UN registered. It added that the plan was politically motivated to undermine the achievements made by the JBC.
Cambodia’s Defense Ministry spokesperson rebutted the Thai intelligence claims as “incorrect and baseless.”
Cambodia Defense Minister, General Tea Seiha. Source : Cambodia People’s Party
Geopolitical analyst Seng Vanly warned that revoking the MOU will cause a legal vacuum where responsibilities will shift from diplomats to military personnel.
Many observers believe that the Thai government’s decision is primarily to impress domestic audiences and push a nationalistic rhetoric which brought the current coalition to power. A poll conducted in October last year by National Institute of Development Administration revealed that well over half of Thais backed a referendum to revoke MOU 43 despite limited understanding on it.
PM Anutin at a volunteer Defense Corps event. Source : Bhumjaithai.com
With a decrease in approval rates just around the corner due to the energy crisis, PM Anutin ‘s administration might be seeking a different avenue to garner support.
It is also speculated that revoking MOU 43 is a pretense to revoking MOU 44. Another UN registered border agreement between Thailand and Cambodia which demarcates a maritime zone that is believed to be rich in oil and natural gas reserves. Amidst global energy shortage, revoking the MOU 44 will free up Thailand to lay exclusive claim over the energy rich area.
If Thailand’s decision is finalized, the senate panel announced that Cambodia will be given a 3 months notice. Amidst the discussion back and forth, civilians mounting to hundreds of thousands remain displaced from both sides.
