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Cambodia Tells U.S. It Will Pursue Compulsory UN Conciliation in Maritime Dispute

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PHNOM PENH, May 16, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has informed the United States it will pursue compulsory conciliation under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) after Thailand’s withdrawal from a 2001 pact on overlapping maritime claims.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn conveyed the decision to U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker during a May 12 telephone call, the foreign ministry said.

The discussion also covered broader Cambodia‑U.S. relations and regional security.

Cambodia said the move reflected its long‑standing position of resolving disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law.

Sokhonn reaffirmed Cambodia’s desire to restore trust and normalize ties with Thailand while pursuing legal and diplomatic mechanisms to address the maritime dispute.

Thailand last week unilaterally terminated the memorandum of understanding that had guided talks for more than two decades.

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