BANGKOK - Thailand's cabinet on Tuesday approved the cancellation of a 2001 maritime agreement with Cambodia, pivoting future negotiations over overlapping territorial claims to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The decision aligns with a proposal by Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who cited the need to update the negotiating framework to reflect current realities and adhere to universally recognized international law, said Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the prime minister's office.

Ratchada emphasized that revoking the 2001 memorandum of understanding represents a "realignment" of the cooperative framework rather than a suspension of bilateral relations or dialogue.

Thailand will continue talks with Cambodia using UNCLOS mechanisms, which offer a clearer, more comprehensive, and systematic approach to resolving maritime disputes, she said in a statement.

The spokesperson explained that the original 2001 agreement was designed to guide the joint management of marine resources in the overlapping area. However, as no tangible progress has been achieved over the past two decades, a review was deemed necessary to ensure future negotiations yield concrete results aligned with Thailand's interests.

Ratchada noted that Thailand remains committed to international law and is prepared to utilize UNCLOS processes, which mandate dialogue as the primary method for resolving overlapping claims between state parties.

Thailand has unofficially notified Cambodia of its decision and will proceed with formal notification while establishing technical and legal committees to manage operations under the new framework, she added.