Resorts on Kut Island are complaining about a large number of cancellations, allegedly due to safety concerns following widespread media reports about MoU 44 and a potential sovereignty dispute over the island.
Putsorn Saengthong, a resort operator, claims that over 50% of his advance bookings have been cancelled, adding that some of them asked him whether Kut Island belongs to Cambodia.
Watcharapong Pravatwin, headman of Ban Khlong Chao on the island, said the cancellations are a shame, adding that high season on Kut Island starts in October and that the island welcomes about 300,000 visitors each year, generating income of about one billion baht.
Thailand’s Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai visited Kut Island today, to offer moral support to a naval unit based there and to assure troops and civilians that the island belongs to Thailand and that there is no conflict between Thailand and Cambodia over sovereignty.
He said that the Joint Technical Committee, representing Thailand, is expected to be formed in the next two week, after which the two countries can proceed with negotiations over joint development of the overlapping claim area based, on the framework of MoU 44.
Phumtham said that Thai and Cambodian troops based along the border enjoy a friendly relationship, with frequent exchange visits and joint activities.
He insisted that the previous governments, of prime ministers Abhisit Vejjajiva and General Prayut Chan-o-cha, did not have any problem with MoU 44, with General Prayut having expressed concern that political parties may not protect national interests.
He appealed to political parties and activist groups not to fan the flames of misunderstanding regarding MoU 44.
