Cambodia Reiterates Commitment to Peaceful Resolution of Maritime Border Dispute with Thailand

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prak Sokhonn, has reiterated Cambodia's strong commitment to resolving its maritime border dispute with Thailand peacefully and in accordance with international law. The minister articulated Cambodia's position during a meeting with the Conciliation Commission of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) held in Singapore on September 15, 2026. According to Minister Prak Sokhonn, Cambodia has been striving to resolve its maritime border issues with Thailand since the mid-1990s. The objective is to secure access to essential resources that drive industrial growth and economic development, similar to the benefits enjoyed by neighboring countries for decades. Discussions on the maritime boundary between the two nations commenced in April 1995, leading to an agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) concerning the continental shelf's overlapping claims in 2001. This MOU was presented as a reflection of the mutual commitment to reach an agreement on maritime boundaries and joint development. Despite negotiation efforts, the two parties have yet to reach any agreement on maritime boundaries or a joint development treaty. Consequently, the exploration and development of subsea resources in the undelimited areas remain stalled. It was noted that with the world facing unprecedented energy supply disruptions, the development of these subsea resources could yield significant benefits for the region. Furthermore, Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn recalled Thailand's unilateral announcement on May 5, 2026, to abrogate the 2001 MOU, despite Cambodia's repeated calls for adherence to it. In light of this situation, the Royal Government of Cambodia has thoroughly considered all peaceful resolution options available under international law. The Deputy Prime Minister further clarified that based on the commitment to uphold the rule of law and peaceful dispute resolution procedures, Cambodia has decided to initiate compulsory conciliation proceedings under UNCLOS. In a special message on June 2, 2026, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated, "Cambodia, like Thailand, will benefit from a just and sustainable solution guided by international conciliators, in accordance with international law." This peaceful resolution is expected to bring mutual benefits to both countries and contribute to regional peace and stability. The Prime Minister emphasized, "This solution will protect sovereignty, strengthen confidence, harness natural resources, support development, and create new job opportunities, not only for the present but also for future generations of Cambodia and Thailand." Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn underscored that Cambodia has chosen this path "to find a peaceful way forward in accordance with international law." He views the conciliation process as "a means to restore confidence, not as a form of creating tension." Cambodia sincerely hopes that both nations will engage in the conciliation process with a constructive spirit. Concurrently, efforts will be made to improve bilateral relations by fully and effectively implementing all existing bilateral agreements, particularly the Joint Statement of December 27, 2025. Such actions would facilitate the return of over 20,000 Cambodian refugees to their homes, protect and preserve important cultural sites damaged during confrontations, and pave the way for the normalization of bilateral relations. The Deputy Prime Minister added, "Such efforts will significantly contribute to reducing tensions and rebuilding trust. The restoration of peace and stability between Cambodia and Thailand will not only benefit the peoples of both countries but also the entire ASEAN community."