Sihasak denies knowledge of Cambodia secretly registering the 2001 MOU, insists however the boundary lines indicate Thai territory, declares Koh Kut belongs to Thailand, emphasizes negotiations under UNCLOS, and reveals that lawyers have been sent to assist Thais detained for forest resource gathering.
At 08:45 on 12 May 2026 at the Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Puangketkaew addressed the case of Cambodian soldiers detaining Thais for forest resource gathering on charges of illegal border crossing. He said legal assistance is currently underway, coordination has been completed, and the situation is being closely monitored.
When asked about Cambodia registering the 2001 memorandum of understanding between Thailand and Cambodia, known in Thailand as the 2001 MOU, as evidence of the border line before the Thai government annulled it, Sihasak said Cambodia is now a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, which is the framework for their discussions. Since Thailand has already canceled the 2001 MOU, he views negotiations under UNCLOS as positive and time-saving, but it is premature to decide which mechanism to use.
Asked about Cambodia registering the 2001 MOU as evidence of the border line that Cambodia claims passes through Thailand’s Koh Kut island in Trat province, Sihasak responded that this is unacceptable. Under UNCLOS law, border matters are governed by internationally recognized law. He said he was unaware of Cambodia secretly registering anything and only knows that discussions will be conducted under UNCLOS law.
When asked whether this would affect Koh Kut’s status as Thai territory, Sihasak stated that any border delimitation will clearly confirm that Koh Kut belongs to Thailand.