Cambodia-Thailand Maritime Dispute: Conciliation Commission to Hold Inaugural Meeting in Singapore

The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) has confirmed that the inaugural meeting of the Conciliation Commission between Cambodia and Thailand, established under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), will take place in Singapore from September 14 to 16, 2026. According to a PCA press release issued on September 9, 2026, the Conciliation Commission will meet with representatives of the Cambodian and Thai parties within the framework of the conciliation procedure under Annex V of UNCLOS. The opening statements by the Cambodian and Thai parties will be made on September 15 at 9 AM Singapore time and will be live-streamed in English, Khmer, and Thai. The conciliation procedure was initiated by Cambodia on June 2, 2026, through a notification requesting the establishment of a conciliation commission under Article 11 of Annex V of UNCLOS, also referencing Article 298. The Thai party submitted its response on June 19, 2026. The Conciliation Commission consists of five members, chaired by Ms. Katrina Cooper from Australia, with members from Denmark, France, South Africa, and Germany. With the consent of both parties, the PCA will serve as the Registry for this procedure. Through the conciliation procedure, the neutral commission will hear the views of both parties, examine legal and factual issues, and seek common ground that can lead to agreement, potentially making proposals or recommendations for peaceful dispute resolution. The commencement of this meeting is considered a significant phase in utilizing international legal mechanisms and peaceful means to find a resolution to the maritime dispute between Cambodia and Thailand.