Cambodia Proposes Joint Maritime Delimitation and Resource Sharing with Thailand

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prak Sokhonn, announced upon his return from the first meeting of the Commission of Conciliation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) held in Singapore on September 16, 2026, that Cambodia has proposed the establishment of an agreement or treaty for the joint delimitation of maritime boundaries with Thailand. Speaking to reporters at Techo International Airport, Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn stated, "Cambodia desires an agreement or treaty concerning the joint delimitation of maritime boundaries between Cambodia and Thailand." He further added, "Cambodia will propose to the Commission of Conciliation to facilitate an agreement between the two parties, enabling them to reach an understanding and form an agreement for any business activities related to the equitable sharing of plans derived from seabed resources." The Deputy Prime Minister elaborated, "In cases where such an agreement cannot be reached or is not yet feasible, both parties will strive to find a consensus for joint development and equitable sharing of benefits arising from business activities involving seabed resources, conducted in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect." This proposal could usher in a new phase in addressing the long-standing maritime boundary issues between Cambodia and Thailand. Both nations have faced complex challenges in delimiting their borders, particularly concerning the exploration and development of seabed resources such as oil and natural gas in the Gulf of Thailand. Cambodia's conciliatory proposal is seen as a positive step towards economic cooperation and stability in the region. Joint development and equitable sharing of resources could not only contribute to the economic growth of both countries but also enhance regional stability.