National
2 June 2026 8:47 AM• 1 day ago• Lim_Rothanaksambath
Cambodia Initiates UN Conciliation Process Over Maritime Dispute with Thailand
PHNOM PENH — Cambodia has initiated a compulsory conciliation process under international law to address its long-standing maritime dispute with Thailand, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing official sources.
The Cambodian government has formally notified both the United Nations and Thailand of its decision, following Bangkok’s move last month to unilaterally withdraw from the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which had served as the primary framework for negotiations over the overlapping claims area in the Gulf of Thailand.
Prime Minister Hun Manet said the step was taken to safeguard national interests. “We have taken this step to protect Cambodia’s sovereignty and maritime rights in accordance with international law,” he said.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters he was not yet aware of the development and said Thailand had not determined a timeline for further action.
The disputed area, covering approximately 26,000 square kilometers, is believed to contain significant energy resources, including an estimated 12 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and substantial oil reserves, with a combined estimated value of around $300 billion.
Cambodia’s Minister of Mines and Energy said global energy pressures, including instability in the Middle East, have increased the urgency to resolve the dispute and develop the resources.
The conciliation process will proceed under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), allowing a panel of independent experts to review the case and issue recommendations. While the outcome is not legally binding, it is intended to facilitate resolution between the parties.
Cambodia has appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn as its agent in the proceedings, alongside international conciliators. Thailand has 21 days to appoint its representatives to complete the panel.
Thailand has traditionally favored bilateral negotiations over international legal mechanisms in resolving disputes with Cambodia.
The maritime issue comes amid broader tensions along the two countries’ land border, where a ceasefire remains in place following clashes last year.
The Cambodian government has formally notified both the United Nations and Thailand of its decision, following Bangkok’s move last month to unilaterally withdraw from the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which had served as the primary framework for negotiations over the overlapping claims area in the Gulf of Thailand.
Prime Minister Hun Manet said the step was taken to safeguard national interests. “We have taken this step to protect Cambodia’s sovereignty and maritime rights in accordance with international law,” he said.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters he was not yet aware of the development and said Thailand had not determined a timeline for further action.
The disputed area, covering approximately 26,000 square kilometers, is believed to contain significant energy resources, including an estimated 12 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and substantial oil reserves, with a combined estimated value of around $300 billion.
Cambodia’s Minister of Mines and Energy said global energy pressures, including instability in the Middle East, have increased the urgency to resolve the dispute and develop the resources.
The conciliation process will proceed under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), allowing a panel of independent experts to review the case and issue recommendations. While the outcome is not legally binding, it is intended to facilitate resolution between the parties.
Cambodia has appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn as its agent in the proceedings, alongside international conciliators. Thailand has 21 days to appoint its representatives to complete the panel.
Thailand has traditionally favored bilateral negotiations over international legal mechanisms in resolving disputes with Cambodia.
The maritime issue comes amid broader tensions along the two countries’ land border, where a ceasefire remains in place following clashes last year.
Reported By : The Khmer Daily Network