Border Conflict
• 1 week ago• Lim_Rothanaksambath
Thailand Accepts UNCLOS Conciliation with Cambodia over Maritime Dispute
PHNOM PENH, June 23, 2026 – Thailand has formally accepted Cambodia's request for compulsory conciliation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) regarding their overlapping maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand.
Thailand submitted its formal response to Cambodia on June 19, following Cambodia's notification on June 2. In its response, Thailand appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow as its Agent, with Ambassador Songchai Chaipatiyut as Deputy Agent. Thailand also named Judge Albert J. Hoffmann of South Africa and Judge Rüdiger Wolfrum of Germany as conciliators—both former presidents of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.
The conciliation commission will consist of four conciliators appointed by both sides, who will select a fifth member to chair the process. A report and recommendations are expected within approximately 12 months.
Thailand has emphasised that the conciliation process is not a court case and that any recommendations will be non-binding. Thailand maintains that the dispute should ultimately be resolved through direct bilateral negotiations.
Cambodia initiated the conciliation process after more than 25 years of negotiations under the now-terminated 2001 Memorandum of Understanding failed to produce a resolution. Cambodia has expressed its commitment to a peaceful settlement through international law.
— Sources:
Nation Thailand
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
Thailand submitted its formal response to Cambodia on June 19, following Cambodia's notification on June 2. In its response, Thailand appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow as its Agent, with Ambassador Songchai Chaipatiyut as Deputy Agent. Thailand also named Judge Albert J. Hoffmann of South Africa and Judge Rüdiger Wolfrum of Germany as conciliators—both former presidents of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.
The conciliation commission will consist of four conciliators appointed by both sides, who will select a fifth member to chair the process. A report and recommendations are expected within approximately 12 months.
Thailand has emphasised that the conciliation process is not a court case and that any recommendations will be non-binding. Thailand maintains that the dispute should ultimately be resolved through direct bilateral negotiations.
Cambodia initiated the conciliation process after more than 25 years of negotiations under the now-terminated 2001 Memorandum of Understanding failed to produce a resolution. Cambodia has expressed its commitment to a peaceful settlement through international law.
— Sources:
Nation Thailand
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network