Cambodia and Thailand have embarked on a conciliation process supported by the United Nations to address a longstanding maritime boundary conflict in the Gulf of Thailand. The initiative falls under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), with the foreign ministers of both nations making introductory remarks at the inaugural meeting. Cambodia aims to establish a singular maritime boundary with Thailand or, alternatively, suggests a joint development plan to enable the shared utilization of resources in the contested region.
Thailand, on the other hand, stresses that the discussions should solely concentrate on the delimitation of the maritime boundary, asserting its commitment to engage in the process with sincerity. Previously, Bangkok had advocated for settling the dispute through direct negotiations. The countries have been at odds over an area covering approximately 26,000 square kilometers for more than a quarter-century. This region is believed to be rich in natural gas and oil, which elevates the economic stakes of the dispute.
In 2001, an agreement was reached to create a framework for the joint development of resources in the disputed territory. However, this arrangement was terminated by Thailand in May, following escalating tensions tied to lethal border skirmishes between the two nations. This development prompted Cambodia to initiate the compulsory UNCLOS conciliation process in June.
The conciliation process involves an independent panel that has the authority to make recommendations, although its conclusions are not legally binding on the involved parties. This mechanism is designed to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the disagreement, focusing on dialogue and mutual understanding to address the complex issues stemming from the shared maritime area.