AKP Phnom Penh, May 05, 2026 --

Cambodia has announced it will initiate the compulsory conciliation mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) after Thailand decided to unilaterally terminate the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU 2001) on overlapping maritime claims.

Speaking following the Thai Cabinet’s approval of the termination on May 5, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn expressed regret over the decision, noting that the memorandum had long served as the only bilateral framework for addressing maritime boundary issues between the two countries.

He stated that, in light of the development, Cambodia has no option but to turn to UNCLOS mechanisms, particularly compulsory conciliation, to resolve the dispute in a peaceful and rules-based manner.

H.E. Prak Sokhonn emphasised that Thailand’s withdrawal does not affect Cambodia’s legitimate rights over its maritime territory, reaffirming the Kingdom’s position under international law.

The Cambodian top diplomat highlighted that the recourse to UNCLOS reflects Cambodia’s continued commitment to settling disputes with neighbouring countries through peaceful means and in accordance with international legal principles.

He also noted that the MOU 2001 had represented a shared political commitment by both countries to pursue a cooperative, law-based approach to managing overlapping maritime claims.

Cambodia considers Thailand’s termination of the memorandum as a step away from that commitment, but reiterated its determination to seek a fair and lasting resolution through internationally recognised legal mechanisms.

By C. Nika