Equity in Delimiting Sea Boundaries in the Gulf of Thailand : A Case of Losin Island

Abstract

          With respect to the delimitation of sea boundaries in the Gulf of Thailand in the past, Thailand used Losin island in the delimitation of the continental shelf with Malaysia. This was successful in certain areas only. The areas where delimitation was not agreed upon would remain as overlapping areas in which Thailand and Malaysia had agreed upon joint exploitation of petroleum. In the East, Thailand used Losin island and the equity in the delimitation of the sea with Vietnam was successful. Therefore, no overlapping areas remained. In the future, when joint exploitation of petroleum in the continental shelf is discontinued, further negotiations on the delimitation of sea between Thailand and Malaysia will take place. Therefore, a prior study of the principles of laws which might be used to delimit sea boundaries, as developed in international laws, should be established in response to the readiness of the future negotiations.