Cambodia Reaffirms Legal Path Under UNCLOS in Talks with Thailand

PHNOM PENH | May 27, 2026- Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving maritime and border disputes through international law, as senior Cambodian and Thai officials met on the sidelines of the United Nations Security Council High-Level Open Debate in New York.

According to an official press release issued by Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn held talks on May 26 with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

The meeting followed up on discussions held during the trilateral meeting between Cambodia, Thailand, and the Philippines on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu earlier this month, where leaders tasked foreign ministers with advancing confidence-building measures and exploring ways forward regarding bilateral tensions.

During the talks, both sides held what the MFAIC described as a “frank and open exchange of views” concerning the border situation between the two neighboring countries.

A key focus of the meeting was Cambodia’s legal position on maritime and territorial disputes. Prak Sokhonn reiterated Cambodia’s stance on initiating compulsory conciliation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), underscoring Phnom Penh’s support for peaceful and rules-based mechanisms in addressing disputes.

Cambodia also called for the “full and effective implementation” of the Joint Statement issued on December 27, 2025, emphasizing that all agreed measures should be carried out in good faith and with sincerity.

The Cambodian side further expressed readiness to work closely with Thailand in implementing measures agreed upon by both Prime Ministers in Cebu, with the aim of rebuilding mutual trust and achieving a just and lasting solution.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close and regular communication to prevent escalation and preserve regional stability.

— Report by The Khmer Daily News