Sonthirat Calls for Cancellation of MOU 2001 to Safeguard National Interests.

Bangkok: Mr. Sontirat Sontijirawong, Chairman of the Policy and Academic Center of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), has urged coalition parties to adhere to principles and maintain their past positions by canceling the MOU 2001 to preserve national interests and prevent the provision of benefits to capital groups. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sontirat took to Facebook to discuss the issue following revelations by Mr. Panthep Puapongphan, Dean of the College of Oriental Medicine at Rangsit University. Mr. Panthep shared new information regarding a cabinet resolution from the Abhisit government, which approved in principle the cancellation of the MOU 2544. This Memorandum of Understanding between Thailand and Cambodia addresses overlapping maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand and was initially resolved on November 10, 2552. The resolution remains legally binding. Mr. Sonthirat highlighted that during that period, parties such as the Democrat Party, Bhumjaithai Party, Chartthaipattana Party, Puea Pandin Party, Ruam Chartpattana Party, Social Action Party, and Matubhum Party were part of the coalition that agreed in principle to cancel the MOU 2001. Many leaders and members from these parties are currently part of the government. He urged coalition parties in the current government to reaffirm their stance on the cancellation of the 2001 MOU, as was agreed upon in the cabinet at that time. Mr. Sonthirat emphasized that this move is crucial to safeguard the country's interests and avoid providing undue benefits to those in power and associated capital groups.