Thailand Ends 2001 Maritime Agreement with Cambodia

May 5, 2026, 12:53
AsiaInternational

Introduction

The Thai government has officially decided to cancel a 2001 agreement with Cambodia that was designed to solve disputes over overlapping maritime borders.

Main Body

The decision to end the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding, known as 'MOU 44,' comes after twenty-five years of little progress. During this time, five rounds of talks failed to agree on a clear border or a way to share oil and gas resources. Furthermore, this action happens while relations between the two countries are strained. Last year, armed conflicts along the land border caused about 150 deaths and forced hundreds of thousands of people to leave their homes, although a ceasefire was eventually reached with help from the United States. Internal politics in Thailand also played a major role in this change. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul promised to cancel the MOU during his election campaign to satisfy nationalist supporters. While the Prime Minister emphasized that this is a policy change and not directly related to the land border fights, the government is now seeking a different way to solve the problem. Spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek stated that Thailand prefers to use the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as a more organized system for future talks. Cambodian officials have expressed their disappointment regarding this move. Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn asserted that Thailand is moving away from the spirit of peaceful resolution. Consequently, the Cambodian government has announced that it will seek a formal legal settlement under the UNCLOS framework to find a permanent solution to the maritime dispute.

Conclusion

Thailand has ended the 2001 maritime pact, and both countries now plan to resolve their border disputes using UNCLOS rules.

Learning

⚑ The 'Connection' Upgrade: Moving Beyond 'And' & 'But'

To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using simple connectors and start using Logical Linkers. These words tell the reader why a sentence follows another, making your English sound professional and fluid.

πŸ” The Analysis

In this text, we see a shift from basic storytelling to academic reporting. Look at these three specific pivots:

  1. Adding Information: Instead of saying 'Also', the text uses "Furthermore."

    • A2 Style: They didn't agree on the border. Also, relations are bad.
    • B2 Style: Five rounds of talks failed... Furthermore, this action happens while relations are strained.

  2. Showing Contrast: Instead of 'But', the text uses "Although."

    • A2 Style: There were fights, but they stopped.
    • B2 Style: ...forced hundreds of thousands of people to leave their homes, although a ceasefire was eventually reached.

  3. Showing Results: Instead of 'So', the text uses "Consequently."

    • A2 Style: Thailand cancelled the pact, so Cambodia is disappointed.
    • B2 Style: Thailand is moving away from the spirit of peaceful resolution. Consequently, the Cambodian government has announced...

πŸ› οΈ Your B2 Cheat Sheet

If you want to say...Use this B2 LinkerWhy?
And / Also→\rightarrow FurthermoreIt adds a 'heavy' or important point.
But→\rightarrow AlthoughIt connects two opposite ideas in one sentence.
So→\rightarrow ConsequentlyIt proves a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

Pro Tip: Notice that Furthermore and Consequently usually start a sentence and are followed by a comma. This creates a rhythmic 'pause' that is typical of advanced English speakers.

Vocabulary Learning

memorandum (n.)
A written record of a meeting or agreement.
Example:The Memorandum was signed by both leaders to formalize their agreement.
understanding (n.)
A formal agreement between parties.
Example:The Understanding between the two countries was signed after negotiations.
overlapping (adj.)
Sharing the same area or region.
Example:The overlapping borders caused confusion among local residents.
disputes (n.)
Arguments or conflicts over something.
Example:The disputes over fishing rights lasted for several years.
maritime (adj.)
Relating to the sea or shipping.
Example:Maritime law governs shipping routes and sea trade.
border (n.)
The dividing line between two countries.
Example:The border between Thailand and Cambodia is heavily monitored.
resources (n.)
Natural materials used for profit or benefit.
Example:Oil and gas resources are key to the region's economy.
strained (adj.)
Tense or difficult due to conflict.
Example:Relations were strained after the recent incident.
conflicts (n.)
Fights or disagreements between groups.
Example:The conflicts in the area have led to many casualties.
ceasefire (n.)
A temporary stop to fighting.
Example:A ceasefire was declared after days of fighting.
politics (n.)
The activities involved in governing a country.
Example:Politics in the country are often influenced by elections.
major (adj.)
Very important or significant.
Example:The major decision will change the country's future.
campaign (n.)
An organized effort to achieve a goal.
Example:The campaign aimed to increase voter turnout.
nationalist (adj.)
Supporting the interests of one's nation.
Example:Nationalist supporters demanded stricter border controls.
emphasized (v.)
Stressed or highlighted the importance of something.
Example:The Prime Minister emphasized the need for unity.
policy (n.)
A set of rules or principles guiding decisions.
Example:The new policy will affect trade agreements.
spokesperson (n.)
A person who speaks on behalf of an organization.
Example:The spokesperson gave a statement to the press.
resolution (n.)
A decision to settle a disagreement.
Example:The resolution was accepted by all parties involved.