Cambodia Participates in UNCLOS Conciliation Meeting with Thailand on Maritime Disputes

Cambodia, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn, has continued its participation in conciliation meetings with Thailand under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The meetings are taking place in Singapore, with the third day of discussions held on September 16, 2026. This marks the first such meeting between Cambodia and Thailand within the framework of the UNCLOS Conciliation Commission, chaired by Ms. Katrina Cooper. The Cambodian delegation includes legal experts representing the Kingdom of Cambodia. This conciliation meeting is considered a significant step towards demarcating maritime boundaries between the two nations, underscoring Cambodia's commitment to seeking peaceful resolutions based on international law. UNCLOS is the international treaty that establishes the rights and responsibilities of states concerning their use of the oceans and seas, including provisions on resource utilization and freedom of navigation. Cambodia and Thailand, as downstream nations in the Mekong region, have historically navigated complex issues related to maritime interests. The current discussions represent an effort by both countries to resolve these issues through direct dialogue, which is expected to contribute to regional stability. Cambodia, in particular, has shown increasing interest in maritime resource development alongside its economic growth in recent years, making the establishment of clear maritime boundaries crucial for its future development plans.