Bona: Cambodia Rules Out Bilateral Talks with Thailand, Insists on UN Route

PHNOM PENH, May 13, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has reaffirmed it will not return to bilateral negotiations with Thailand over overlapping maritime claims, insisting the dispute must proceed directly through international legal mechanisms under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Government spokesman Pen Bona said Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet announced on May 5 that Cambodia would invoke the compulsory conciliation mechanism under UNCLOS after Thailand cancelled the 2001 memorandum of understanding that had governed talks.

Phnom Penh said the move reflects its intention to pursue a peaceful, law‑based solution.

Samdech ThipadeiHun Manet stressed Cambodia had “no choice” but to rely on UNCLOS following Thailand’s unilateral withdrawal from the agreement, known in Bangkok as MoU‑44.

Cambodia formally communicated its position through a diplomatic note on May 6 and reiterated it during trilateral talks in Cebu on May 7.

Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, serving as acting head of state, reinforced the stance, rejecting any new bilateral mechanism.

He said Thailand’s call for renewed talks contradicted its own decision to dismantle the framework, adding Cambodia regretted the cancellation but viewed it as an opportunity to pursue international legal avenues instead.