Thailand’s cabinet cancels a long-standing agreement with Cambodia related to clarifying overlapping maritime claims and enabling joint offshore energy exploration, Thailand’s prime minister says. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announces the cancellation on Tuesday, ending a 2001 pact under which both sides were to work toward a framework for exploring hydrocarbons in parts of the Gulf of Thailand where Thailand’s and Cambodia’s claims overlap. The decision follows prior expectations of a shift in Thailand’s position, according to reporting from multiple outlets.
The agreement has been in place for about 25 years. Sources also note that the move comes amid heightened regional tension tied to armed incidents between the two countries in recent months, with some references describing multiple rounds of violence preceding the cabinet decision.
Reporting indicates Thailand’s action responds to ongoing disputes over maritime boundaries and related resource development, and it is described as going against calls from Cambodia for the two countries to continue with the existing arrangement. The cancellation is the latest step in Thailand–Cambodia efforts—or breakdowns thereof—over Gulf of Thailand maritime jurisdiction and energy exploration plans.
