The Government of Thailand has terminated a long-standing memorandum of understanding signed in 2001 with Cambodia for joint oil and gas exploration in the Gulf of Thailand, ending a 25-year attempt at cooperation.
The agreement had aimed to enable shared development of offshore hydrocarbon resources in disputed maritime areas. However, progress had remained stalled for decades due to unresolved territorial claims and differences over resource-sharing arrangements.
Thailand’s decision to withdraw from the pact reflects frustration over the prolonged deadlock, while Cambodia has criticised the move as unilateral and indicated that it may pursue further action regarding the dispute.
The cancellation highlights ongoing geopolitical and legal complexities surrounding energy resource development in Southeast Asia, particularly in overlapping maritime zones. It may also impact future negotiations on cross-border energy cooperation and exploration activities in the region.