A panel to negotiate a maritime territory dispute with Cambodia must be approved by state agencies before it can begin work, permanent secretary for foreign affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow has said.
Mr Sihasak was responding to an Energy Ministry proposal to create the panel following discussions with
Cambodian authorities early last week. He said the agencies charged with settling the dispute must first hold internal talks on the matter.
The agencies must also reach a common decision on what to do with the 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the maritime dispute, he said.
The Abhisit Vejjajiva government cancelled the MoU, but did not inform Cambodian authorities about it.
Mr Sihasak said many experts felt the MoU offered the foundations for negotiations on the contested territory.
Others say the 2001 MoU should
be used as a guideline for negotiations so petroleum exploration in the area can begin.
In 2012, the Department of Mineral Fuels said the overlapping territory between Thailand and Cambodia covers more than 26,000 square kilometres of sea.
If the dispute is settled, both sides stand to benefit from petroleum development in the area.
The permanent secretary said the government is planning official visits to boost ties and improve relations with Asean countries as a matter of priority.
Schedules for visits are being prepared for presentation to Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.