Bangkok: Thailand’s newly-appointed Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced plans to hold a national referendum on whether to revoke a longstanding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia, in a bid to ease rising tensions along the disputed border.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Anutin said the move aims to “avoid further conflict” following a deadly flare-up in July that left at least 48 dead and displaced hundreds of thousands in the worst violence between the two countries in over a decade.
“For the sake of national security and public trust, the people must decide whether to continue with the current agreement or take a new approach,” Anutin stated.
The 2000 MoU between Thailand and Cambodia established a framework for joint land boundary demarcation. A subsequent 2001 agreement laid out guidelines for cooperation over maritime zones, including areas suspected to hold valuable oil and gas resources.
However, public sentiment in Thailand has grown increasingly critical of the agreements, especially in the wake of July’s five-day military confrontation. Critics argue the MoUs have failed to prevent conflict and may put Thailand at a strategic disadvantage.
The prime minister’s referendum proposal comes as his administration also faces mounting economic challenges. Thailand is grappling with sluggish growth, rising public debt, and a sharp downturn in tourism — a sector critical to the country’s economy.
Regional observers have expressed concern that escalating rhetoric over the border dispute could strain ASEAN unity and stall ongoing efforts at bilateral negotiation.
Cambodia has yet to issue an official response to Anutin’s announcement. However, Phnom Penh has consistently maintained that the current agreements are essential for peaceful resolution and regional stability.
The Thai government is expected to outline the referendum timeline and terms in the coming weeks.
