November 5, 20241 yr Picture courtesy: National News Bureau of Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, following talks with coalition leaders, has firmly stated that Ko Kut is unequivocally recognised as Thai territory under a longstanding treaty with France. This declaration comes amidst public intrigue over the island's status, though Cambodia harbours no claims against it. The origin of these misconceptions is thought to be internal confusion rather than foreign claims. Paetongtarn reassured the Thai populace of Ko Kut's rightful place within Thailand. "MOU44", a framework for Thai-Cambodian negotiations over overlapping maritime areas, remains active. This agreement focuses exclusively on sea boundaries, leaving Ko Kut untouched. The Prime Minister stressed that unilateral cancellation isn't feasible since it requires bilateral accord. She highlighted that diplomatic discussions on maritime boundaries must be handled by a restructured Thai committee, following the recent government change. While Cambodia's committee is prepared, Thailand's needs organisation before negotiations resume. Paetongtarn dismissed notions that honouring the MOU equates to accepting Cambodia’s boundary views. Instead, the MOU serves as a diplomatic tool for resolving disparities peacefully. Thailand's maritime boundaries, set in 1973, necessitated the MOU due to differences with Cambodia's 1972 lines. She clarified misconceptions about alleged unilateral revocation of MOU44 by a past administration, pointing out that such moves require mutual consent. While some argue for the MOU's cancellation to preclude disputes, Paetongtarn emphasised the agreement's role in facilitating dialogue and preventing legal contention. Paetongtarn prioritised maintaining amicable relations and urged against political issues influencing international diplomacy. Coalition partners endorse continuing MOU44 discussions. The Prime Minister underscored her duty to protect Thailand’s territorial integrity, assuring commitment to national interests and regional unity, reported The Nation. -- 2024-11-05
November 5, 20241 yr The reason that this is coming to the fore at this time is Thailand and Cambodia are in negotiations about the Overlapping Claims Area, or OCA for the oil and gas in the surrounding 'disputed' waters. Estimated $300billion worth of reserves there. Sovereignty of the islands were always going to be a sticking point for nationalists on this issue.
November 5, 20241 yr 1 minute ago, redwood1 said: If only Thailand had a submarine they could protect Ko Kut.... They would run aground (probably in Cambodian waters).
November 5, 20241 yr 1 minute ago, redwood1 said: If only Thailand had a submarine they could protect Ko Kut.... If they had, they would more than likely sink it (the island).
November 5, 20241 yr I am sure Hun Sen is also planning to protect Ko Kut His Cambodian island too....
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