Cambodia Reaffirms Ceasefire, Seeks UN Route for Maritime Dispute

PHNOM PENH, May 6, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to a ceasefire with Thailand and announced plans to pursue international legal mechanisms to resolve overlapping maritime claims.

Government spokesman Pen Bona said Phnom Penh would continue to respect agreements reached in late 2025, including the October peace statement and outcomes of the December General Border Committee meeting.

He described strengthening the ASEAN Observer Team’s mandate as “essential,” welcoming the Philippine team’s takeover of the mission from Malaysia.

The Ministry of Defense confirmed the arrival of Glenn Z. Dizon, the new mission head, along with three Philippine officers, following a handover in Manila on April 30.

The observer team is tasked with monitoring the ceasefire and building trust between the two neighbours after recent tensions.

Separately, Prime Minister Samdech Thipadie Hun Manet said Cambodia would invoke compulsory conciliation under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea after Thailand withdrew from a 2001 maritime MoU.

He said the process offered a “fair and lasting solution” to ensure peace, stability and prosperity along the frontier.

Samdech Thipadie stressed Cambodia remained open to cooperation but insisted any settlement must proceed through UNCLOS, adding that the approach would help safeguard maritime rights while reinforcing regional stability.