International Legal Experts Appointed for UNCLOS Conciliation with Thailand

PHNOM PENH, June 4, 2026 (KPT) — Two international legal experts have been appointed to serve as conciliators in proceedings under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as Cambodia advances a compulsory conciliation process over overlapping maritime claims with Thailand, officials said Thursday.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Chan Ratana confirmed the appointments following a June 2 meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations in Phnom Penh.

The move comes after Cambodia formally notified Thailand and UN Secretary‑General António Guterres of its decision to initiate conciliation proceedings.

Under UNCLOS rules, each country nominates two conciliators, while a fifth member is jointly selected. Thailand has 21 days to make its nominations; if it fails, the UN will appoint on its behalf.

Cambodia has named Peter Taksoe‑Jensen of Denmark, a veteran diplomat and former UN legal adviser who chaired the UNCLOS commission in the Australia–Timor‑Leste case, and Jean‑Marc Thouvenin of France, professor at Paris Nanterre University and Secretary‑General of The Hague Academy of International Law.

Ratana said the commission will act as a facilitator and mediator once constituted, helping both sides pursue a negotiated solution.

The decision follows Thailand’s withdrawal from a 2001 memorandum of understanding that had guided bilateral talks.

Officials stressed the UNCLOS mechanism is intended to support dialogue, not replace it.

The case is expected to be only the second compulsory conciliation conducted under UNCLOS, underscoring the rarity of the procedure in resolving maritime disputes.