Regarding the Opposition’s Allegations Concerning the Use of the Compulsory Conciliation Mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) June 3, 2026
Regarding the Opposition’s Allegations Concerning the Use of the Compulsory Conciliation Mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) June 3, 2026
Cambodia PR Team Responses Regarding the Opposition’s Allegations Concerning the Use of the Compulsory Conciliation Mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
June 3, 2026
Q1: Is the Royal Government of Cambodia’s declaration to use the compulsory conciliation mechanism under UNCLOS merely a performative gesture, or an attempt to deceive the public, as alleged by the opposition?
A: The Royal Government of Cambodia’s declaration to use the compulsory conciliation mechanism under UNCLOS is neither a performative gesture nor an attempt to deceive the public, contrary to the opposition’s allegations. Such false claims are an attempt to sow doubt and undermine public confidence in the Royal Government’s legal and diplomatic efforts to protect national interests. In fact, the use of the UNCLOS compulsory conciliation mechanism is neither a political maneuver nor mere lip service. It is a procedure in accordance with international law, as explicitly stipulated in the UNCLOS Convention, which the Royal Government of Cambodia is compelled to resort to as a peaceful mechanism, with international parties acting as facilitators and witnesses.
Q2: What concrete measures has Cambodia taken to initiate the compulsory conciliation proceedings under UNCLOS?
A: The Royal Government of Cambodia has already sent official notification letters to the Thai side and to the Secretary-General of the United Nations to initiate the compulsory conciliation proceedings under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This is an official procedure stipulated in the UNCLOS Convention and constitutes the exercise of Cambodia’s legal rights as a State Party to this Convention. Furthermore, Cambodia has already informed the international community and foreign embassies accredited to Cambodia of this decision, in order to affirm Cambodia’s position in resolving the maritime dispute peacefully and in accordance with international law, following Thailand’s decision to unilaterally revoke the MOU-2001.
Q3: Why did Cambodia decide to resort to the compulsory conciliation mechanism under UNCLOS instead of pursuing bilateral negotiations with Thailand?
A: Cambodia has not abandoned bilateral negotiations. On the contrary, Cambodia has sought to utilize the bilateral negotiation framework under the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding for over 25 years to find a solution to the overlapping maritime claims area with Thailand. Cambodia has made every effort to preserve this MOU because it was the only agreed bilateral negotiation framework for resolving the maritime issue.
However, after Thailand’s unilateral withdrawal from the MOU-2001, Cambodia assessed that the opportunity for bilateral negotiations to achieve a solution had been exhausted. Therefore, returning to bilateral negotiations would mean starting from scratch and would not be regarded as valuable by the Thai side.
Under these circumstances, Cambodia has chosen the compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS, a legal and peaceful mechanism recognized internationally, in order to continue seeking a fair resolution in accordance with international law.
