Thailand Urges Cambodia to Keep Sea Talks Within UNCLOS Framework
THE HAGUE, the Netherlands — 18 October 2026, Thailand has reiterated that maritime boundary delimitation must remain the sole focus of its conciliation process with Cambodia under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), while urging both countries to adopt confidence-building measures to prevent further tensions. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign […]
The Hague, Netherlands — On 18 October 2026, Thailand reiterated that maritime boundary delimitation should stay the sole focus of its conciliation process with Cambodia under UNCLOS, while urging both sides to adopt confidence‑building measures to ease tensions. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow made the remarks following the second meeting of the Thailand‑Cambodia Conciliation Commission, held 14‑18 October at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague’s Peace Palace. Sihasak said the talks centred on legal and technical issues, with the commission asking each side to present evidence and explain the legal basis for their continental shelf and territorial sea claims. He stressed that Thailand’s position rests on international law under UNCLOS and that the process must deal exclusively with maritime boundary delimitation. Both nations had submitted their positions to help the commission understand their claims, which it will review further. In parallel, the commission examined a draft document outlining confidence‑building measures aimed at improving relations and advancing the process. Sihasak said the measures include refraining from accusatory statements in international forums that could undermine the talks and avoiding actions that might provoke confrontations. Thailand backs these measures, noting it has already followed such an approach, and recalled that both countries had agreed to pursue bilateral solutions first, consistent with international law. As trust‑building examples, Sihasak cited Thailand’s decision to send a senior Royal Thai Police officer to a meeting on combating online scams in Cambodia and its plan to dispatch a director‑level representative to an upcoming Francophone summit hosted by Cambodia, even though Thailand participates only as an observer. When asked about Cambodia’s continued accusations against Thailand in international venues, including comments by the Cambodian prime minister during the commission’s meeting, Sihasak said the atmosphere hinges on Cambodia’s willingness to honour their discussions. He noted that both sides have repeatedly agreed to avoid using international platforms to attack each other and that Thailand will keep cooperating with the conciliation process in hopes of moving forward. Sihasak added that further discussions on maritime boundaries will be needed; the commission may request more information or eventually issue recommendations, which Thailand will consider while safeguarding its national interests and sovereignty.
