Cambodia has initiated a formal conciliation process under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to settle its ongoing maritime boundary dispute with Thailand in the Gulf of Thailand. Prime Minister Hun Manet revealed that Cambodia has sent official notifications to Thailand and the United Nations Secretary-General to commence this procedure. This step is part of Cambodia’s efforts to protect its sovereignty and maritime rights, aligning with international legal standards.
The Cambodian government views this decision as a means to encourage peaceful resolution through dialogue, mediation, and expert consultation, rather than allowing tensions to escalate. Government officials highlighted Cambodia’s commitment to maintaining a positive and constructive relationship with Thailand, considering the UNCLOS framework a recognized and structured method for resolving international disputes.
The core of the disagreement involves overlapping claims by Cambodia and Thailand over certain offshore territories in the Gulf of Thailand. Both nations assert their rights to these areas, leading to the current dispute. The UNCLOS offers legal mechanisms to address such issues, including conciliation procedures managed by independent international panels.
By choosing to work within the UNCLOS framework, Cambodia is seeking a resolution that respects both countries’ positions while adhering to globally accepted legal and diplomatic practices. The Cambodian leadership emphasizes that this approach underscores their dedication to international law and peaceful conflict resolution.