‘ไชยชนก’​ ย้ำ​นโยบายรัฐบาล​ ทำประชามติยกเลิก MOU​ 43-44 เตรียมแผนสำรองแล้วหากผลออกมาอย่างไร เผย​ ‘บวรศักดิ์’ สั่ง ‘ก.ต่างประเทศ’ ทำการบ้านศึกษาเพิ่มเติมรับมือทุกสถานการณ์​ หากเรื่องต้องไปศาลโลก​

Cancelling the 2000 and 2001 MOUs on land demarcation and maritime boundaries with Cambodia would not only nullify two to three decades of efforts to peacefully resolve border disputes through bilateral mechanisms but also give Cambodia grounds to push the disputes into international arenas if armed clashes occur. Former foreign minister from the previous Pheu Thai administration, Maris Sangiampongsa, stated that the MOUs serve as frameworks for bilateral negotiations.

Both former Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa of the previous Pheu Thai-led government and Panthep Puapongpan, chairperson of the Thailand Watch Foundation—a group founded by conservative, nationalist, and royalist figures who opposed the previous Pheu Thai government’s handling of border issues—argue that the current Cabinet has the authority to cancel the 2000 and 2001 MOUs on land demarcation and maritime boundaries with Cambodia without a public referendum, though they differ on whether such cancellation is advisable.

People’s Party Deputy Leader Rangsiman Rome, chairperson of the lower house’s Committee on National Security, Border Affairs, National Strategy, and National Reform, said that if the Bhumjaithai-led government plans a referendum on canceling the 2000 and 2001 MOUs on land demarcation and maritime boundaries with Cambodia, citizens must have sufficient access to information to make a well-informed decision. He added that revising the MOUs rather than canceling them could be a better option.

Deputy Prime Minister for Legal Affairs Bowornsak Uwanno expressed confidence that Thai voters will not be confused by casting four ballots in the next general election, as the government is taking steps to simplify and clearly explain the process. He said the plan is designed to help voters make informed decisions on constitutional amendments, the revocation of the 2000 and 2001 MOUs with Cambodia on land and maritime boundaries, and their choice of MPs and political parties.

The government and opposition whips have agreed to set up a special parliamentary committee to study the 2000 and 2001 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Cambodia. The vote on forming the committee has been postponed to next week to allow time for selecting suitable members. The opposition Bhumjaithai Party’s proposal to cancel the MOUs was discussed in a closed session due to national security concerns.

Opposition parties plan to push for parliamentary debate this week on the cancellation of the 2000 and 2001 MOUs with Cambodia (MOU43-44) after First Deputy House Speaker Chaiya Promma of the ruling Pheu Thai party abruptly adjourned last week’s House session, preventing the motion from being considered. Bhumjaithai spokesperson Boonthida Somchai confirmed that the party will continue to press for Parliament to deliberate the motion submitted by the party's Krabi MP, Saritpong Kiewkong.

Parliament was abruptly adjourned before urgent debate on MOUs 2000 and 2001 with Cambodia could begin, blocking discussion on a major national issue. Citizens had gathered outside parliament to demand debate, raising concerns over the disruption. Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, opposition leader and leader of the main opposition People's Party, said similar disruptions have occurred repeatedly and that today’s closure contradicted prior agreements between government and opposition whips.