Thai politician Bhumjaithai calls for the annulment of significant Thai-Cambodia treaties
Thai Political Party Demands Cancellation of MoUs in Parliament Square Protest
A significant political demonstration took place in Parliament Square on Thursday, led by figures such as former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan and lawyer Kaewsan Atibhoti. The event, organised in support of the Bhumjaithai Party's push for the cancellation of certain agreements, marked the first public gathering in the newly opened Parliament Square.
The Bhumjaithai Party has proposed a referendum on the issue of cancelling the MoUs (43 and 44) to ensure transparency and national consensus. They have also filed an urgent motion in the House of Representatives for the creation of a special committee to study the cancellation of the MoUs.
The MoUs in question, signed in 2000 and 2001, are believed to be in areas holding significant natural gas reserves. The 2001 MoU, specifically, addresses the maritime boundary between Thailand and Cambodia.
The group voiced strong opposition to the deals, pledging to submit petitions to House leaders. Critics argue that the agreements undermine Thai sovereignty and have led to territorial encroachment. Thai officials claim that Cambodia has breached the border agreements more than 600 times since border clashes erupted.
Supporters of the agreements argue that they are essential for maintaining diplomatic channels. The Bhumjaithai Party, however, believes that bilateral negotiations with Cambodia could continue even without the MoUs. Group representatives demanded that negotiations use the 1:50,000 map as a demarcation reference.
Rangsiman Rome, chairman of the House Committee on National Security, proposed forming an ad hoc committee to review the issue. The BJT, in addition to its MPs closely monitoring the situation along the border while assisting evacuees in several provinces, has urged all political parties to support the cancellation of the 2000 and 2001 MoUs.
Notably, Rangsiman Rome warned that abrupt action could harm Thailand's interests in overlapping maritime zones where natural gas concessions are in play. The request to repeal the MoU 43 and 44 agreements between Thailand and Cambodia in the constitutional community was made by representatives of the People's Party of Thailand.
The demonstration was ensured to be orderly by police and was authorised until 5pm. The Bhumjaithai Party's push for the MoU cancellations has gained significant momentum, with this protest serving as a powerful statement in the ongoing debate.
