Cambodia and Thailand to Resume Maritime Talks in The Hague on October 14
Cambodia and Thailand to Resume Maritime Talks in The Hague on October 14
PHNOM PENH, October 9, 2026 — Cambodia and Thailand will hold their second meeting under a United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) conciliation process in The Hague, the Netherlands, from October 14 to 18, as the two countries seek a peaceful resolution to their maritime boundary differences.
According to a statement issued by Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Friday, the Permanent Court of Arbitration has announced the upcoming meeting of the Conciliation Commission established under Annex V of UNCLOS.
The meeting will build on discussions held during the first session in Singapore and provide an opportunity for both sides to explore further progress and identify potential areas of agreement on maritime boundary delimitation.
Cambodia’s delegation will be led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, the country’s agent in the proceedings, accompanied by Deputy Agent Lam Chea, Minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Border Affairs, along with legal experts.
The ministry said Cambodia’s primary objective is to reach a resolution that serves the interests of both countries’ peoples and contributes to regional peace, cooperation and shared prosperity.
Cambodia aims to conclude a treaty with Thailand establishing a single, all-purpose maritime boundary. Alternatively, it seeks an agreement on joint development and the equitable sharing of resources while a final maritime boundary agreement remains pending.
If neither option is achieved, Cambodia would ask the Conciliation Commission to prepare recommendations that could serve as a basis for future negotiations, consistent with both countries’ obligations under UNCLOS.
The ministry reaffirmed Cambodia’s confidence in the conciliation process, emphasizing that international law provides the foundation for the peaceful settlement of disputes between states.
Cambodia said it would participate in the upcoming meeting in good faith and in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, while working with Thailand and the commission toward a fair and lasting resolution.
