Regarding the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Approach to Overlapping Maritime Claims with Thailand June 2, 2026
Regarding the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Approach to Overlapping Maritime Claims with Thailand June 2, 2026
Cambodia PR Team Responses
Regarding the Royal Government of Cambodia’s Approach to Overlapping Maritime Claims with Thailand
June 2, 2026
Q1: Why has Cambodia decided to initiate the compulsory conciliation mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)?
A: Cambodia has decided to initiate the compulsory conciliation mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) by formally notifying both Thailand and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in order to safeguard its national sovereignty and maritime rights in accordance with international law. This decision was taken after the bilateral framework established under the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU-2001), which had served as the basis for addressing overlapping maritime claims for more than 25 years, was effectively exhausted following Thailand’s decision to terminate the arrangement. As a result, Cambodia has no alternative but to resort to this international mechanism. Moreover, compulsory conciliation provides a peaceful and lawful means of resolving the dispute in accordance with international law, with the objective of achieving a fair and lasting solution.
Q2: What is the significance of the compulsory conciliation mechanism under UNCLOS for resolving maritime disputes?
A: The compulsory conciliation mechanism under UNCLOS is an international legal procedure that enables disputing parties to present their arguments, evidence, and legal positions before an independent Conciliation Commission composed of five experts in international law. The primary objective of this mechanism is to facilitate dialogue and assist the parties in reaching a peaceful resolution consistent with international law and the interests of the parties concerned. This mechanism is significant because it provides a neutral and international forum for examining the facts and legal arguments advanced by each side. Notably, it was successfully employed in the maritime dispute between Timor-Leste and Australia, leading to the conclusion of a maritime boundary treaty in 2018. For Cambodia and Thailand, this marks the second case in history in which the UNCLOS compulsory conciliation mechanism has been invoked to seek a peaceful resolution based on international law.
Q3: Does Cambodia’s recourse to this mechanism signify a departure from negotiations or an escalation of tensions with Thailand?
A: The use of this mechanism does not signify that Cambodia is abandoning negotiations or seeking to escalate tensions with Thailand. On the contrary, it brings dialogue and negotiations into a clearly structured international framework that is recognized by both parties. Cambodia remains firmly committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes and to fostering good relations with Thailand based on mutual respect and shared interests.
Q4: What is Cambodia’s position on safeguarding its sovereignty and resolving disputes with neighboring countries?
A: Cambodia has never violated the sovereignty of any other country and remains fully committed to defending its sovereignty and legitimate rights. Cambodia consistently advocates the resolution of disputes through international law, dialogue, negotiation, and peaceful mechanisms rather than the use of force. In this spirit, the Royal Government has also called upon all Cambodian citizens to maintain national unity and to continue supporting Cambodia’s efforts to safeguard its national interests and territorial integrity through peaceful and lawful means.
