Samdech Hun Sen Backs UN Conciliation After Thailand Cancels Maritime MoU

PHNOM PENH, April 6, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen has strongly backed the government’s decision to pursue compulsory conciliation under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to resolve a maritime dispute with Thailand.

His remarks followed Bangkok’s unilateral withdrawal from a 2001 Memorandum of Understanding that had long served as the framework for managing overlapping maritime claims.

Samdech Hun Sen said Cambodia supported Prime Minister Hun Manet’s position that the MoU should not be replaced by a new bilateral mechanism, insisting the dispute must now move directly to international legal procedures.

He described the UNCLOS process as a fair, rules based pathway to resolution, and expressed regret over Thailand’s decision to cancel the MoU, citing “lack of progress” as the reason given by Bangkok.

Samdech Hun Sen questioned that explanation, pointing to frequent changes in Thai leadership since the 2006 military coup.

Recalling his own involvement since the late 1980s, including the signing of the 2001 agreement, Samdech Techo Hun Sen said Cambodia had maintained continuity in its approach, unlike Thailand.

He rejected criticism that Phnom Penh was “internationalising” the issue, stressing Cambodia was acting in line with international law.

Samdech Techo said Cambodia remained open to cooperation but insisted any settlement must now proceed through UNCLOS, expressing hope both countries would eventually engage constructively under the mechanism.