Government Reiterates Agreed Principles for Border Resolution, Pursues UNCLOS Conciliation on Maritime Dispute

PHNOM PENH, May 21, 2026 (KPT) — The government on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to resolving land border disputes with Thailand through dialogue and internationally agreed legal principles, while pursuing compulsory conciliation under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea over overlapping maritime claims.

Spokesman Pen Bona said the administration remained committed to peace and respect for international law in addressing land issues, citing the ceasefire and joint statement signed on December 27, 2025, and the Joint Boundary Commission mechanism.

He said the process aimed to achieve a “proper, fair and lasting peaceful solution” along the frontier.

Officials maintain the boundary was established by the Franco‑Siamese Commission and is protected under international law, including the principle of uti possidetis juris.

The government cited Franco‑Siam treaties, historical maps and bilateral documents as the basis for its position, stressing it “absolutely does not recognise any border changes resulting from the use of force.”

On maritime disputes, the government said it would proceed with UNCLOS conciliation after Thailand revoked the 2001 MoU.

The move has been endorsed by the Senate, National Assembly and 28 allied parties, which Bona said reflected national unity in defending sovereignty.

The Interior Ministry reported more than 95 percent of residents displaced by border tensions have returned home, though over 30,000 remain unable to do so amid suspended public services in affected provinces.