Cambodia, Thailand allow more time for UNCLOS conciliators to appoint Conciliation Commission Chairperson

UNCLOS Conciliation: Cambodia’s Path to Peace, Not Conflict

Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to allow additional time for the four independent conciliators appointed under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to consider the appointment of the Chairperson of the Conciliation Commission, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The ministry’s spokesperson said the conciliators had requested more time to carefully consider the selection of the commission’s chair, with both Cambodia and Thailand agreeing to the proposal.

“The four independent Conciliators have proposed spending additional time to carefully consider who should be appointed Chairperson of the Conciliation Commission. Cambodia and Thailand have both agreed to this course,” the spokesperson said.

Cambodia initiated compulsory conciliation proceedings under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on June 2, 2026.

The action was a direct response to the Thai Cabinet’s formal decision on May 5, 2026, to unilaterally terminate the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU 2001), which governed the two countries’ overlapping maritime claims.

The spokesperson said the additional time sought by the conciliators was limited and would not affect the procedural timetable or any prescribed deadlines under UNCLOS.

“The additional time requested by the Conciliators to consider the Chairperson’s appointment is modest and entirely appropriate given the significance of the appointment and the proceedings as a whole. It will have no effect on any prescribed timeline or procedural step under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the spokesperson said.

According to the ministry, the decision reflects the thorough approach being taken by the conciliators in carrying out the process.

“This is a reflection of the rigorous process being undertaken by the Conciliators. We extend our thanks for their diligence and express our continued confidence in the process,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that Cambodia remained committed to resolving its maritime differences with Thailand through peaceful means and in accordance with international law.

-Khmer Times-