The Thai Cabinet may postpone the selection of members for the Joint Technical Committee with Cambodia due to scheduling conflicts, as indicated by Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. This committee is responsible for discussing overlapping territorial claims in the Gulf of Thailand, guided by a 2001 MoU. Phumtham also clarified that there’s nothing to cancel concerning the MoU, which merely reflects claimed interests without formal agreements.
The possibility of the Thai Cabinet approving members to participate in the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) with Cambodia appears unlikely, as articulated by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. On Monday, he informed that due to his commitment to attend the ASEAN Plus Defence Ministerial Meeting in Laos, along with the potential unavailability of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to lead the Cabinet meeting following her return from the APEC summit in Peru, there is insufficient time to deliberate on the candidates proposed by the Foreign Ministry. The JTC is intended to facilitate discussions regarding overlapping territorial claims in the Gulf of Thailand, as established through a 2001 memorandum of understanding between Thailand and Cambodia. Responding to calls from nationalist groups urging the Thai government to terminate the MoU, Phumtham emphasized that there is no need for cancellation. He clarified that the MoU simply recorded claims from both parties without reaching a definitive agreement, rendering it non-cancellable.
The relationship between Thailand and Cambodia has included historical disputes, particularly concerning maritime boundaries in the Gulf of Thailand. The establishment of the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) aims to address these disputes in a dialogue format. The 2001 memorandum of understanding serves as a framework for discussions but does not constitute a binding agreement. This context is crucial in understanding the hesitance of the Thai government to engage actively in the JTC during this particular period due to competing commitments from senior officials.
In conclusion, the formation of the Joint Technical Committee between Thailand and Cambodia may face delays due to scheduling conflicts with key government officials. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai’s remarks highlight the complexity of diplomatic engagements while managing domestic and regional commitments. The status of the 2001 memorandum remains a pivotal aspect of ongoing discussions about territorial claims, emphasizing the need for careful oversight amid rising nationalist sentiments.
Original Source: www.nationthailand.com
