Cambodia-Thailand Joint Commission for Conciliation Concludes Inaugural Meeting, Reconciliation Process Just Beginning

The first meeting of the Joint Commission for Conciliation between Cambodia and Thailand on maritime boundaries has concluded in Singapore. Cambodian Minister of Information, Net Phakthra, stated on his social media that this meeting is merely the beginning of the reconciliation process. Minister Phakthra wrote on his Facebook that, as Cambodian citizens, they are proud of the Cambodian delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prak Sokhonn, as representatives of Cambodia, for participating in this process to demonstrate Cambodia's stance through law, diplomacy, dialogue, and peaceful means. He added that participating in this reconciliation mechanism is not about increasing tensions but about utilizing peaceful dispute resolution mechanisms as stipulated in the law of the sea. He further clarified that, "Following this first meeting, the demonstration of Good Faith by the parties involved should be measured through concrete actions: participation in the process constructively, implementation of agreements, and measurable progress towards a solution. The first meeting has concluded, but the reconciliation process has just begun. What is important next is to continue to maintain determination, patience, and to use international law and diplomacy to move towards a peaceful and long-lasting solution for both neighboring countries." The first meeting of the Joint Commission for Conciliation on the maritime border between Cambodia and Thailand took place in Singapore from September 14 to 16, 2026. Cambodia was represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prak Sokhonn, and Thailand was represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Don Pramudwinai. During the opening of this joint meeting, the Cambodian representative expressed belief in this international mechanism for de-escalating tensions, while the Thai representative, speaking with apparent dissatisfaction, suggested otherwise. It is also worth noting that Cambodia decided to use the conciliation mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to resolve the water border issue with Thailand after Thailand announced its withdrawal from the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Boundaries on May 5, 2026. Cambodia has presented three conditions for resolving the maritime border dispute with Thailand: the establishment of a joint treaty on maritime boundaries, the establishment of a joint development agreement, and the adoption of recommendations from the Conciliation Commission, which will serve as a basis for negotiations between the two parties to reach these agreements later.