BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s government ended its disputed sea border agreement with Cambodia, while the navy pledged full security along the maritime frontier.
Naval command maintained security assurances
The Royal Thai Navy said the termination of the pact with the neighboring state would not weaken protection at sea. Naval leaders stressed that the government’s decision had no impact on security operations in open waters.
Troops remained on high alert to defend national sovereignty. All patrols and missions monitoring the maritime borders continued as planned.
UN maritime convention to guide future borders
In place of the old agreement, Thailand relied on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as the main legal framework. Both Thailand and Cambodia had already signed this global treaty.
The government expected this new legal structure to make future border talks more secure. It provided a clearer basis for discussions on how to divide maritime areas.
Former pact seen only as negotiating tool
Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyaphan underlined that the previous pact had been only a framework for negotiations. It had not directly affected the day‑to‑day work of ships at sea.
Regardless of whether agreements were in force, amended or cancelled, the navy vowed to defend the country’s interests with full strength. The safety of the coasts and national waters, officers said, stood above all else.
Naval experts to support talks
The navy took on a key role in preparing upcoming border negotiations. It provided crucial data, detailed sea charts and technical expertise to the civilian negotiating team.
This support aimed to ensure that Thailand’s interests were safeguarded and that no errors occurred in the talks. Fleet specialists worked to bring clarity to complex legal questions over maritime zones.
Political voices urge caution
Political figures also issued warnings after the long‑standing pact was dropped. Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had already viewed the agreement as problematic and ineffective.
“He considered the old pact problematic and ineffective.”
said Abhisit Vejjajiva, former prime minister.
He urged that the new legal process be handled with great care and guided by clear principles. At the same time, he said Thailand needed to watch closely how Cambodia responded to the move.
“He warned that the ensuing legal process must be conducted with extreme care and based on clear principles, while Thailand must also closely monitor Cambodia’s reaction.”
said Abhisit Vejjajiva, former prime minister.