Cambodia, Thailand Agree to Use UN Maritime Mechanism in Border Dispute

PHNOM PENH, May 11, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to use a United Nations mechanism to resolve overlapping maritime claims, officials said Monday, marking a shift toward international legal processes after the collapse of a long‑standing bilateral accord.

Government spokesman Pen Bona said Thailand had acknowledged Cambodia’s decision to invoke compulsory conciliation under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Cambodia formally notified Bangkok through a diplomatic note on May 6, confirming its intention to seek a peaceful, law‑based settlement.

The announcement follows Thailand’s withdrawal from the 2001 memorandum of understanding on maritime boundaries, known in Bangkok as MoU‑44.

Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet conveyed Cambodia’s position directly to Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul during a trilateral meeting with the Philippines in Cebu on May 7.

Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, acting as head of state, said there was no need for further bilateral negotiations after Thailand’s unilateral cancellation of the MoU, urging both sides to proceed under the framework of the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, which allows third‑party participation in dispute resolution.

Officials said Cambodia’s stance has received full backing from both the Senate and National Assembly.

On land border disputes, Phnom Penh reiterated that disagreements with Thailand and neighbouring countries must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet stressed that borders cannot be changed “through the use of force or by creating faits accomplis on the ground,” calling for full implementation of the December 27 ceasefire agreement and resumption of demarcation work by the Joint Boundary Commission.

Survey teams from both countries have already conducted joint fieldwork in Banteay Meanchey and Battambang provinces, installing temporary markers and completing aerial mapping.

Cambodia said it wants this cooperation to continue uninterrupted to strengthen trust and maintain long‑term peace.