Cambodia, Thailand to Hold First UN Maritime Conciliation in Singapore

PHNOM PENH, Sept 10, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia and Thailand are set to hold the first meeting of a United Nations maritime conciliation commission in Singapore from September 14 to 16, aimed at resolving their long-standing maritime differences. This session is part of a process initiated by Cambodia under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Cambodian delegation will be led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn as Agent, with Lam Chea, Minister in Charge of the State Secretariat of Border Affairs, serving as Deputy Agent. Opening statements are scheduled for September 15 at 08:00 Cambodia time (09:00 Singapore time) and will be webcast publicly in Khmer, English, and Thai. DPM Sokhonn is expected to deliver Cambodia’s statement. The commission was established under Annex V of UNCLOS, providing a mechanism for states to seek negotiated settlements with the assistance of an independent panel. Cambodia resorted to compulsory conciliation after Thailand ended the bilateral framework that had guided talks for over two decades. The disputed area is believed to hold significant oil and gas reserves. Cambodia has expressed that a settlement could help unlock these resources and bolster regional energy security. Conciliation is a non-adjudicatory process where the commission does not issue binding rulings but aims to assist parties in reaching an amicable settlement. A similar process between Timor-Leste and Australia concluded with a maritime boundary treaty in 2018. Cambodia has stated its commitment to participating in the proceedings in good faith, adhering to international law and a peaceful resolution of the dispute. Source: Kampuchea Thmey English