Cambodia Emphasizes International Law in Maritime Dispute with Thailand as UN Conciliation Process Begins

PHNOM PENH, September 14, 2026 (KPT)- The Cambodian government spokesman Pen Bona has underlined the importance of international law in resolving disputes peacefully as a United Nations conciliation process between Cambodia and Thailand opened in Singapore. Bona said Cambodia, as a peace‑loving country that respects international law, believes firmly that legal frameworks are the cornerstone of peaceful dispute resolution. “Cambodia strongly hopes that this process will once again demonstrate the true value of international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes through negotiations between Cambodia and Thailand, under the facilitation of international conciliation experts,” he said. The Conciliation Commission established under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is holding its first meeting between the two countries from September 14 to 16. Opening statements are scheduled for Tuesday, with Cambodia’s presentation to be delivered by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn in his capacity as Agent. Bona noted that compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS had previously helped resolve a maritime dispute between Timor‑Leste and Australia, leading to a boundary agreement in 2018. Cambodia’s case marks only the second use of the mechanism in UNCLOS history. Prime Minister Hun Manet has said the process may take time but is preferable to conflict, which risks loss of life and ultimately forces parties back to negotiations. Cambodia initiated the proceedings after Thailand terminated a 2001 memorandum of understanding that had guided talks on overlapping maritime claims for more than two decades.