Thai and Cambodian delegations meet for first UNCLOS conciliation session

Thailand and Cambodia participated in the first meeting of the compulsory conciliation commission under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in Singapore. The Thai delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkaew. The meeting took place from September 14-15, 2024. The Thai delegation included Ambassador to Kuwait Songchai Chaipatiyuth as deputy head, along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Hydrographic Department, the Navy's Directorate of Joint Operations, the Royal Thai Navy, and the Department of Mineral Fuels (Ministry of Energy), all possessing specialized knowledge and experience. This inaugural session will feature a live broadcast of the opening statements by both parties on September 15, 2024, providing an opportunity for the public to understand each side's position and approach to the conciliation process. The commission will also consider the adoption of the Rules of Procedure, which will establish the principles and framework for the commission's operations, as well as guidelines for future meetings and processes. As a state party to UNCLOS, Thailand is prepared to fully cooperate with and support the work of the conciliation commission. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies are committed to performing their duties to protect and preserve national interests. The conciliation process is expected to take approximately 12 months, after which the commission will prepare a report, including conclusions and recommendations, which will not be binding on either party. Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhonn also attended the meeting with his delegation, and discussions lasted for over an hour. Following this, the Thai and Cambodian delegations, along with the conciliation commission, took a group photo before dispersing to prepare for their opening statements the following day.