AKP Phnom Penh, May 04, 2026 --

Cambodia has underscored its readiness to rely on international legal mechanisms, particularly under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in addressing maritime boundary issues, amid concerns over a potential unilateral withdrawal by Thailand from the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU 2001), which governs the overlapping maritime claims area between the two countries.

In a recent special interview with the National Television of Cambodia (TVK), H.E. Kung Phoak, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, reaffirmed Cambodia’s longstanding commitment to peaceful dispute resolution in accordance with international law, noting that UNCLOS provides established mechanisms to assist states in managing and settling maritime disputes.

H.E. Kung Phoak pointed in particular to the mechanism of compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS, which is designed to assist state parties in resolving disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law.

Cambodia stressed that this approach reflects its adherence to international norms and its preference for peaceful, lawful means of resolving overlapping maritime claims.

While reiterating the importance of bilateral cooperation, Cambodia indicated that, in the absence of the existing framework under MOU 2001, it would turn to UNCLOS mechanisms as a viable pathway forward.

The Royal Government of Cambodia expressed hope that both countries can reach a fair and lasting solution in line with international law, allowing the two peoples to live together in peace, stability, and harmony, underlined H.E. Kung Phoak. 

By C. Nika