Cambodia has initiated a conciliation process under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in an effort to resolve its ongoing maritime boundary dispute with Thailand in the Gulf of Thailand. This significant step was announced by Prime Minister Hun Manet, who revealed that Cambodia had formally submitted official notifications to both Thailand and the United Nations Secretary-General to commence this procedure. The aim, according to Hun Manet, is to protect Cambodia’s sovereignty and maritime rights while ensuring compliance with international law.
The Cambodian government has articulated that this decision is meant to foster a peaceful resolution through dialogue, mediation, and expert consultation, rather than heightening tensions between the two nations. Officials have stressed that Cambodia is committed to preserving constructive relations with Thailand and perceives the UNCLOS mechanism as a structured and internationally recognized framework for the peaceful settlement of such disputes.
The controversy revolves around overlapping claims in certain offshore areas of the Gulf of Thailand, where both Cambodia and Thailand assert rights. The situation underscores the importance of UNCLOS, which offers legal pathways for resolving maritime disagreements, including conciliation procedures conducted by independent international panels.
By invoking UNCLOS, Cambodia is seeking to address the maritime disagreement through a methodical approach that involves international expertise. This move is seen as a way to ensure that the issue is resolved amicably and in accordance with established international protocols, reflecting Cambodia’s broader commitment to international cooperation and rule of law in regional matters.