Bangkok: "Chayika" has voiced concerns over the potential revocation of MOU 43, warning that it could pave the way for Cambodia to escalate the border dispute to the International Court of Justice. She fears that Cambodia might leverage a 1:200,000 scale map, which could disadvantage Thailand, and highlights that incidents like the Nong Chan-Nong Ya Kaew are matters of sovereignty, not related to the MOU.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Chayika Wongnapachan, a former advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, responded to the government's suggestion of a referendum to decide the fate of MOU 43 between Thailand and Cambodia. She emphasized the importance of MOU 43, which has been utilized by governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and the military, in addressing the Thai-Cambodian border situation. Chayika urges a non-prejudiced approach to the issue, rooted in national interest and strategic international political discussions.
Ms. Chayika expressed that revoking MOU 43 could lead to Cambodia taking the matter to the ICJ, as it would eliminate the current negotiation framework. Despite numerous violations by Cambodia, the country has never initiated termination of the MOU, understanding its international legal disadvantages in doing so. She suggests that delaying negotiations could be a more strategic approach to maintain Thailand's advantageous position.
Highlighting the incidents at Ban Nong Chan and Nong Ya Kaeo, Ms. Chayika clarified that these are sovereignty intrusions, not related to overlapping claims under MOU 43. She underscored the importance of MOU 43 as a legally binding tool that mandates peaceful bilateral negotiations through the Thai-Cambodian Joint Commission (JBC).
Ms. Chayika further pointed out that MOU 43 has been instrumental in preventing unauthorized Cambodian encroachments, such as construction and landmine laying, which have previously resulted in Thai casualties. She also mentioned the efforts to create a new, mutually acceptable map using LIDAR satellite imagery, a resolution made by the JBC to replace the contentious 1:200,000 map.
Ms. Chayika additionally warned that revoking MOU 43 would nullify 45 out of 74 agreed-upon boundary markers. She lamented the potential loss of decades of work by the Royal Thai Survey Department. She noted that the ongoing Thai-Cambodian border demarcation is 60% complete, comparing it to the Thai-Malaysian border, which took over 50 years to reach 90% completion.
She also cautioned that canceling MOU 43 could compel Thailand to restart the border dispute resolution process, potentially leading to international escalation. Ms. Chayika questioned why, if MOU 43 truly favors Cambodia, the country insists on its ineffectiveness and demands its cancellation.
Concluding her remarks, Ms. Chayika criticized any political motives driven by prejudice or misunderstanding related to the Shinawatra family or the Pheu Thai Party. She warned that neglecting national interests and factual information could lead to damaging consequences for the country. She emphasized her firsthand experience with the border situation and the importance of basing national decisions on facts rather than distorted or biased information.