Cambodia and Thailand Agree to Extend Time for Maritime Dispute Mediation

Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to an extension of time for the selection of a chairperson for the mediation committee to resolve their maritime border dispute, following a request from the independent arbitrators for more time to thoroughly consider the matter. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced this. According to the spokesperson, the four independent arbitrators have requested additional time to carefully deliberate on who should be appointed as the chairperson, and both Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to this request. The extended time sought by the arbitrators is considered appropriate and reasonable, given the significance of the appointment and the overall mediation process. This extension will not impact the deadlines or procedural steps stipulated under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this reflects the challenging procedures the arbitrators are currently undertaking. The ministry expressed its gratitude for the diligence of all arbitrators and reiterated its confidence in the process. Cambodia stands ready to move forward with the peaceful resolution of its maritime border dispute with Thailand, based on international law.