Regarding the Use of the Compulsory Conciliation Mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) July 24, 2026

Cambodia PR Team Responses
Regarding the Use of the Compulsory Conciliation Mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
July 24, 2026

Q1: How does Cambodia interpret Thailand’s claim that the use of the UNCLOS mechanism is the reason for the deadlock in land border negotiations?

A: Cambodia has clarified that the use of the compulsory conciliation mechanism under UNCLOS was initiated after Thailand decided to unilaterally terminate the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding, which was the only bilateral framework for resolving maritime border issues. This international mechanism is a peaceful, well-defined, transparent, and reliable option.

Cambodia has also emphasized that there is no agreement or legal basis stipulating that the use of the UNCLOS mechanism should suspend land border negotiations, as they are two separate mechanisms. Therefore, the claim that UNCLOS has “closed the door” on land border negotiations is factually incorrect and entirely baseless.

Q2: How does the Royal Government of Cambodia view the assertion by senior Thai officials that the use of the UNCLOS mechanism has stalled land border negotiations?

A: Cambodia considers this to be merely a pretext by the Thai side to evade the JBC mechanism, as Thailand lacks sincerity in resolving land border issues with Cambodia. Their intention is to maintain the illegal occupation of Cambodian territory seized and currently held by Thai military forces. Cambodia demands a solution that is clear, just, and transparent, using technical survey methods based on documents, maps, and international law. Therefore, Cambodia continues to call on the Thai side to implement existing agreements and resolve each issue through bilateral mechanisms based on international law.

Q3: What developments does Cambodia wish to see in the resolution of border issues with Thailand?

A: Cambodia wishes to see the resumption of work under existing bilateral mechanisms, particularly the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), without the imposition of additional conditions not stipulated in the agreements. At the same time, Cambodia will continue to pursue the UNCLOS mechanism on maritime issues, believing that both mechanisms can operate in parallel and contribute to the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, in order to build a permanent border of peace between the two countries.