A transportation industry expert has noted that although the body of water bordering Cambodia is called the Gulf of Thailand, Cambodia has a legitimate legal right to use this waterway. it is an international sea lane jointly used by several countries, including Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand.
This statement followed a December 14 move by the Thai military, saw the military propose a blockade to the Thai National Security Council, ostensibly to block the supply of fuel and military materials to Cambodia.
Chea Chandara, president of the Cambodia Freight Transport and Supply Chain Association, told The Post on December 16 that, under international law, the Gulf of Thailand is merely a name, while its use as a sea passage must be shared.
Regarding the Thai statement, he noted that it was only a proposal and that no official decision has yet been made.
He added that at present, Cambodia can freely and legally transport goods in and out to countries around the world through two main routes: via the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, and via the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port through Vietnamese ports before continuing on to the South China Sea.
“At this time, Cambodia’s maritime transportation mainly uses two important routes: transportation through the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port to various countries, and transportation through the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port crossing into Vietnam before continuing to other countries, because Vietnam has a coastline that allows access to the South China Sea and then onward to international waters,” he said.
He noted that as of now (December 16), maritime transportation operations remain normal.
Phon Rin, transport ministry spokesperson, also responded to the calls to close the gulf.
On the morning of December 15, Rim noted on his personal social media that Thai newspapers had quoted senior Thai officials warning of a possible closure or blockade of maritime cargo navigation routes through the Gulf of Thailand into Cambodia. He explained that these actions were being justified using various pretexts, to nurture expansionist ambitions, provoking war and escalating conflict with Cambodia.
“Cambodia is not a child who sucks its thumb. Cambodia has considered this matter and has fully prepared to respond in all forms to Thailand’s ambitions to provoke war and expand conflict. Cambodia has diverse and interconnected maritime freight routes with strong potential, ensuring independence and sovereignty in all forms in accordance with international laws and regulations,” he said.
