The Prime Minister revealed that the Cabinet approved the cancellation of MOU 44 after 25 years without progress. A letter will be sent to notify the other party. The decision follows the ThailandFirst principle, ensuring nothing will be lost by Thailand.
At 12:30 p.m. on 5 May 2026 at Government House, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, stated that the Cabinet meeting approved the cancellation of MOU 44. The cancellation is unrelated to any disputes with Cambodia but reflects his own policy. After 25 years, there has been no conclusion or progress. Other references such as UNCLOS will also be used as common grounds for both countries, as they are parties to it.
Regarding Samdech Hun Sen's statement that canceling MOU 44 would worsen the dispute, the Prime Minister said that one should interview Hun Sen for his views.
When asked if this would affect negotiations, the Prime Minister said there have been no negotiations yet; this is a new context and should not be tied to the old framework. For Thailand, MOU 44 no longer exists.
On the next steps, the Prime Minister explained that MOU 44 was originally established to manage the division of benefits from underwater resources. If talks resume, a new framework must be negotiated, possibly an MOU 70 instead of 44; that remains to be seen. Legally, there is no immediate effect today other than notifying the MOU partner, which will be done through an official letter.
Regarding whether the ASEAN summit will provide an opportunity to discuss the MOU with the Cambodian Prime Minister, the Prime Minister said they will certainly meet during the conference. He assured the Thai people that under the ThailandFirst principle, Thailand will not lose anything.
Asked about border tensions and preparations, the Prime Minister said that the situation at the border is being closely monitored with no complacency. Security forces and border troops are fully vigilant. There is nothing to worry about. He personally inquires with the military almost weekly and noted the situation has even improved.