Thailand Joins Cambodia in UN-Backed Maritime Boundary Conciliation Process

Bangkok, June 20, 2026 (KPT) – Thailand has agreed to take part in a United Nations-backed conciliation process over its maritime boundary dispute with Cambodia, following Phnom Penh’s decision earlier this month to initiate proceedings under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on June 19 it had formally responded to Cambodia’s notification of conciliation, transmitted on June 2. Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet announced on June 1 that his government had sought compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS, citing the need to safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights.

The dispute centers on overlapping claims in the Gulf of Thailand, an area believed to hold significant oil and gas reserves.

Thailand has appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow as its agent for the proceedings, with Ambassador Songchai Chaipatiyut as deputy agent. Bangkok also named Judge Albert J. Hoffmann of South Africa and Judge Rüdiger Wolfrum of Germany as conciliators.

The two countries’ appointees will select a fifth member within 30 days to chair the Conciliation Commission.
“Thailand remains committed to peaceful resolution on this matter and stands ready to engage in the conciliation process in good faith and in accordance with its international obligations,” the ministry said.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet has stressed Cambodia’s commitment to peaceful dispute settlement and constructive ties with Thailand, but argued bilateral talks had stalled after Bangkok withdrew from a 2001 memorandum of understanding on overlapping claims.

He described compulsory conciliation as a non-judicial mechanism designed to facilitate dialogue through independent experts.

Under UNCLOS, compulsory conciliation allows an independent commission to review disputes and issue recommendations. While not legally binding, the process aims to help parties reach a negotiated settlement.

Thailand’s participation clears the way for the commission’s establishment in the coming weeks, marking a significant step toward resolving one of Southeast Asia’s most longstanding maritime boundary disputes.