Thailand ends MOU 44 with Cambodia, scrapping a 2001 maritime framework
Thailand has formally terminated its 2001 agreement with Cambodia known as MOU 44, scrapping a pact that was meant to guide how the two neighbors handle overlapping maritime claims and offshore resources, Deutsche Welle reported. [1]
MOU 44 was intended to provide a bilateral framework for resolving overlapping maritime claims and jointly managing offshore resources in the Gulf of Thailand. [1] Thailand ended the agreement in May 2026. [1]
The decision lands amid a wider breakdown in relations. Since July 2025, Thailand and Cambodia have been locked in deadly land conflict over border territory that has killed at least 150 people and displaced hundreds of thousands. [1]
The move is the latest turn in a series of confrontations that began with clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces on July 24, 2025, as an escalating border dispute left at least 11 dead. Two days later, on July 26, the two sides accused each other of new attacks as the conflict’s death toll grew. [1]
While the maritime pact focused on the Gulf of Thailand and joint management of offshore resources, its termination now removes the 2001 framework that had been designed to address competing claims through a bilateral process. [1]
Timeline· Developing
Tailandia y Camboya acordaron revitalizar el alto el fuego tras días de enfrentamientos mortales que dejaron al menos 11 muertos y la evacuación de cientos de personas; con el nuevo primer ministro tailandés comprometido a abordar el conflicto fronterizo y los problemas económicos, ambos países desplegaron observadores de alto el fuego de la ASEAN para estabilizar la región, los líderes se reunieron en Malasia para dialogar y poner fin a la disputa, funcionarios estadounidenses se unieron a las conversaciones para apoyar el cese al fuego, el alto el fuego se mantiene mayormente estable tras un inicio incierto, aunque Camboya negó las acusaciones tailandesas sobre minas terrestres, poniendo la tregua en una situación delicada.
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Landmine blast strains fragile truce
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Published May 12, 2026
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