Bangkok Shifts Tone on Cambodia’s Maritime Dispute Strategy
Bangkok Shifts Tone on Cambodia’s Maritime Dispute Strategy
BANGKOK, June 3, 2026 — Thailand has shifted its stance on Cambodia’s decision to initiate compulsory conciliation proceedings under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), with Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow expressing concern that the move could complicate efforts to improve bilateral relations and address border issues.
Speaking to reporters in Paris while attending the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting, Sihasak commented on Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet’s recent notification to Thailand and the United Nations Secretary-General formally launching the UNCLOS compulsory conciliation mechanism over overlapping maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand.
Sihasak said Thailand viewed Cambodia’s decision as a step that would not genuinely contribute to resolving the dispute. He added that the process could affect ongoing efforts to restore relations and discuss broader security issues between the two neighboring countries.
The remarks mark a noticeable change in tone from Bangkok. Prior to Cambodia’s formal notification, Thai officials had largely projected confidence and suggested they were not concerned about Phnom Penh’s legal options regarding the maritime dispute.
Cambodia announced on June 2 that it had formally notified both Thailand and the United Nations of its decision to begin compulsory conciliation proceedings under UNCLOS. Phnom Penh has described the mechanism as a peaceful legal process aimed at addressing overlapping maritime claims through an independent panel of international experts.
The UNCLOS conciliation process does not impose a binding judgment but allows both parties to present their positions before a five-member conciliation commission, which subsequently issues recommendations.
Cambodian leaders have repeatedly stated that legal and diplomatic mechanisms offer a more sustainable path to resolving disputes than confrontation, emphasizing that maritime and territorial issues should be addressed in accordance with international law.
The latest comments from Bangkok suggest that Cambodia’s decision to activate the UNCLOS mechanism is drawing increasing attention from Thai policymakers as the maritime dispute enters a new legal and diplomatic phase.
