On June 27, Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa visited Phnom Penh with a focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation, deliberately sidestepping contentious maritime disputes due to the political sensitivities in both countries.
The Thai government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, faces internal challenges, notably from the coalition partner Palang Pracharath Party, which has pushed to halt initiatives to resolve the maritime issues with Cambodia. Maris, appointed as foreign minister in late April, met with key Cambodian leaders, including his counterpart Sok Chenda Sophea, Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Senate President Hun Sen. These meetings aimed to promote sustained peace, enhance cross-border trade, and boost both business and people-to-people exchanges, according to a Cambodian Foreign Ministry statement.
Celebrating Diplomatic Ties
The statement highlighted that existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms should be fully utilized, noting the upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries as a prime opportunity to unlock potential and foster shared growth. Sok Chenda Sophea plans to visit Thailand in September for a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation meeting to further enhance ties.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to concrete cooperation projects within the framework of their Strategic Partnership established earlier this year.
Sensitive Issues Avoided
Maris had previously indicated his intention to address the maritime disputes involving overlapping claim areas (OCA) in the Gulf of Thailand and a breakwater near Trat province’s Khlong Yai border checkpoint. However, the official Cambodian statement made no mention of these issues. A diplomatic source revealed that Maris did discuss the matter with Prime Minister Hun Manet, explaining the domestic political sensitivities, with nationalist groups in Thailand using the issue to destabilize the government. Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed understanding and committed to seeking mutually beneficial solutions.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had previously agreed with Hun Manet in February to resume negotiations over the 26,000 square kilometers of overlapping maritime claims and to jointly develop hydrocarbon resources. This agreement has faced domestic backlash in Cambodia, with nationalists accusing Hun Manet of treason.
Maris emphasized the need for careful handling of the hydrocarbon extraction issue, highlighting the technicalities involved and the necessity for expert input.
Controversial MOU Under Scrutiny
Maris reiterated that the 2001 memorandum of understanding (MOU), which established a framework for sea boundary delimitation and joint development, should be the basis for negotiations. Despite no significant progress in 23 years, Thai nationalists have sought to nullify the MOU, fearing territorial loss. Recently, Palang Pracharath Party’s deputy leader, Paiboon Nititawan, filed a petition with the Constitutional Court questioning the MOU’s constitutionality, citing Article 178 of the 2017 Constitution.
Maris argued that the MOU does not constitute a treaty under international law and involves no territorial changes. Meanwhile, concerns over Cambodia’s construction of a breakwater near the border have also been raised, though Cambodia halted construction in 1998.
Broadening Cooperation
During the visit, Maris and his Cambodian counterpart discussed cooperation across various sectors, including economics, tourism, culture, and education. Plans were made to open consulates in Siem Reap and Songkhla and to fully operate the Stung Bot-Ban Nong Ian international border checkpoint. Both countries aim to enhance supply-chain connectivity through complementary special economic zones in border provinces.
Bilateral trade reached $9 billion last year, with a target of $15 billion by 2025. Thailand is the ninth largest foreign investor in Cambodia, with $1.6 billion in direct investment. Tourism between the two countries is thriving, with 1.82 million Thai visitors to Cambodia last year.
Cultural and Educational Initiatives
Thailand will continue supporting Cambodia’s human resource development through scholarships and technical assistance. Cambodia plans to expand the Thai Language Department at the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Additionally, Thailand recently returned the remaining Khmer artifacts confiscated in 1999 to Cambodia.
The Cambodian minister also urged Thai authorities to protect Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand, noting that many are at risk of legal issues due to undocumented status. As of May, 457,799 documented Cambodians were working in various sectors in Thailand.
Attendance and Acknowledgements
The visit included meetings with prominent Cambodian officials, including Prime Minister Hun Manet, Senate President Hun Sen, and Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea. These discussions underscored the commitment of both nations to fostering peace, enhancing trade, and promoting mutual growth.
