Cambodia has initiated a conciliation process under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to resolve its maritime boundary dispute with Thailand in the Gulf of Thailand. This significant step was announced by Prime Minister Hun Manet, who confirmed that official notifications have been sent to both Thailand and the United Nations Secretary-General, marking the formal start of the process. The Cambodian government’s action underscores its intent to protect the nation’s sovereignty and maritime rights while adhering to international legal frameworks.
The dispute centers on overlapping territorial claims in the Gulf of Thailand, where both Cambodia and Thailand assert rights over certain offshore regions. By opting for the UNCLOS conciliation procedure, Cambodia aims to achieve a peaceful resolution through dialogue and expert mediation, rather than allowing tensions to rise. The government has stressed the importance of maintaining positive and constructive relations with Thailand throughout this process.
Officials from Cambodia have expressed their commitment to using the structured and internationally recognized avenues provided by UNCLOS to settle the disagreement. The convention offers various legal mechanisms for resolving such disputes, including the option of conciliation by independent international panels. This approach is designed to facilitate a fair and impartial resolution while upholding international law.
Cambodia’s decision to pursue this path reflects a broader strategy to engage in diplomatic and peaceful negotiations, reinforcing its dedication to resolving the matter without conflict. By leveraging the UNCLOS framework, Cambodia seeks to ensure that its interests are protected while fostering a cooperative spirit with its neighboring country, Thailand.