Cambodia has initiated a formal conciliation process under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to address its maritime boundary dispute with Thailand in the Gulf of Thailand. This step was announced by Prime Minister Hun Manet, who stated that official notifications had been sent to both Thailand and the United Nations Secretary-General to commence the proceedings. The Cambodian leadership asserts that this action is aimed at protecting the nation’s sovereignty and maritime entitlements, all while adhering strictly to international law guidelines.
The Cambodian government has emphasized that this initiative is meant to encourage a peaceful resolution through methods such as dialogue, mediation, and expert consultation. The goal is not to increase tensions but rather to find an amicable solution. Officials have reiterated Cambodia’s dedication to maintaining positive relations with Thailand, viewing the UNCLOS mechanism as an established and globally recognized path for dispute resolution.
The core of the maritime dispute involves overlapping claims in certain sections of the Gulf of Thailand. Both Cambodia and Thailand have laid claim to rights over these offshore areas, leading to the current situation. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea offers legal frameworks for resolving such disagreements, including the use of conciliation procedures managed by independent international panels.
By choosing to engage with the UNCLOS conciliation process, Cambodia seeks to navigate the complexities of its maritime disagreement with Thailand through structured, internationally sanctioned methods. This decision underscores the country’s commitment to upholding international norms while striving to resolve the territorial issue without resorting to conflict.