Phumtham Assures Koh Kood Issue Will Not Mirror Preah Vihear Temple Incident.

Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, has asserted that the ongoing territorial discussions regarding Koh Kood between Thailand and Cambodia will not escalate to the level of the Preah Vihear temple dispute. He emphasized that the established framework under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 44 remains intact and should not be canceled. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phumtham addressed the formation of a Joint Technical Committee (JTC) to negotiate the disputed area, expressing his anticipation for the Prime Minister's return to progress the discussions. He highlighted the uncertainty about whether the Prime Minister will initiate the dialogue but mentioned the possibility of the issue entering the Cabinet agenda if conditions permit. In response to inquiries about the timing of the Cabinet meeting, Mr. Phumtham indicated that the meeting might not occur on November 19 unless the Prime Minister convenes it promptly. Should the Prime Minister return in time , the matter could be submitted to the Cabinet by Tuesday; otherwise, it will be prioritized as soon as feasible. Mr. Phumtham clarified that the selection of committee members falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who are tasked with preparing for the discussions. He stressed the importance of adhering to the MOU 44 framework, which serves as a peaceful basis for resolving several unresolved issues. Addressing concerns over overlapping underwater areas, Mr. Phumtham reiterated the necessity of negotiations, stating that the MOU does not prescribe specific terms, thus making dialogue essential for resolving border disputes. He reassured that the MOU 44 is a robust framework that does not require cancellation and highlighted the need for both countries to conduct negotiations in accordance with international law. Furthermore, Mr. Phumtham dismissed the idea of drafting a new MOU to ease national concerns, insisting the current MOU sufficiently outlines an unresolved matter needing bilateral negotiation and adherence to international maritime laws. He emphasized that there is no cause for public suspicion akin to the Preah Vihear case, noting the government's ongoing presence and activities in the disputed area as evidence of Thailand's territorial rights. Mr. Phumtham concluded by stressing the importance of understanding MOU 44, urging individuals to review its contents carefully to dispel any misunderstandings. He reassured that the military is maintaining sovereignty over its area and that the existing framework provides a solid base for peaceful resolution without necessitating cancellation.