Bangkok: Political scientists are urging calm in response to Cambodia's recent actions concerning the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), asserting confidence in Thailand's strategic readiness to handle the situation.
According to Thai News Agency, experts emphasize that "Sihasak and Team Thailand" are well-informed and equipped to manage any potential conflicts arising from Cambodia's maneuvers.
Associate Professor Wanwichit Boonproong of Rangsit University highlighted that while Cambodia's appointment of an international legal advisory team, including former senior Danish diplomat Peter Taxe-Jensen and French international lawyer Jean-Marc Touvenin, might seem advantageous, it does not imply Thailand is lagging. Thailand, under the guidance of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkaew, anticipated Cambodia's moves and is strategically prepared to engage with the UNCLOS process.
Wanwichit stressed that Thailand's strategy involves confining discussions strictly to the disputed maritime boundary, thus preventing Cambodia from introducing unrelated territorial claims. This focused approach aims to safeguard Thailand's maritime interests and limit extraneous issues from complicating negotiations.
Concerns regarding Cambodia's "Maximum Claim" strategy, which attempts to assert extensive maritime rights, were also addressed. Wanwichit pointed out potential challenges to the legitimacy of Cambodia's claims, particularly given their decision to bypass bilateral negotiations with Thailand.
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively preparing a delegation of international law experts to counter Cambodia's claims under UNCLOS. This preparation includes exploring all possible scenarios to ensure a robust response. Wanwichit affirmed that Thailand's comprehensive evaluation of Cambodia's strategies should prevent any disadvantage in the ongoing maritime discussions.