AKP Phnom Penh, October 14, 2026 --

Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to seeking a mutually beneficial solution with Thailand to their maritime dispute, aiming to promote lasting peace, cooperation and shared prosperity in the region, as the two countries convened for the second meeting of the Conciliation Commission under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

H.E. Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Cambodia’s Agent, led the Cambodian delegation and legal team to the meeting, held at the Peace Palace, which houses the headquarters of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in The Hague, the Netherlands, on the morning of Oct. 14 (local time).

The Thai delegation was led by H.E. Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Thailand’s Agent.

The second meeting was chaired by Ms. Katrina Cooper, Chair of the Conciliation Commission, with the PCA serving as the Registry.

Cambodia’s primary objective is to achieve a solution that benefits the peoples of both countries and contributes to peace, cooperation and shared prosperity across the region.

To achieve this goal, Cambodia seeks to conclude a treaty with Thailand, with the Commission’s assistance and in accordance with international law, to establish a single, comprehensive maritime boundary between the two countries.

As an alternative, Cambodia is prepared to reach an agreement with Thailand on joint development and the equitable sharing of resources between the two states while awaiting a final agreement on their maritime boundary.

Should the two countries be unable to reach a final agreement on either the maritime boundary or joint development, Cambodia has proposed that the Commission prepare a report containing recommendations for both parties. The report would serve as a basis for further negotiations aimed at reaching agreements at a later stage, in accordance with their respective obligations under UNCLOS.

The first meeting of the Conciliation Commission involving Cambodia and Thailand was held in Singapore in September 2026.

(Photo: Kul Renny)

Article in Khmer by Phen Rattanak
Article in English by C. Nika