Cambodia-Thailand Maritime Dispute: New Measures Aim to Ease Tensions and Build Trust
Cambodia-Thailand Maritime Dispute: New Measures Aim to Ease Tensions and Build Trust
PHNOM PENH, October 19, 2026 — Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to a new set of confidence-building measures aimed at reducing tensions, strengthening diplomatic communication and advancing efforts to resolve their maritime dispute through the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
In a press release dated October 19, 2026, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the Conciliation Commission, established under UNCLOS Annex V, had finalised the measures during its second meeting with both countries in The Hague, the Netherlands.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) announced the outcome, describing the measures as intended to strengthen mutual trust, improve communication and create conditions conducive to reaching an agreement.
Commission Calls for Stronger Diplomatic Engagement
Among the recommendations, the commission encouraged Cambodia and Thailand to strengthen their diplomatic representation by appointing a senior-level representative to each other’s capital.
It also urged both sides to implement commitments and measures agreed upon previously, noting that some had not yet been fully carried out.
The commission further encouraged the two countries to participate constructively and openly in technical discussions on maritime delimitation through a working group under its auspices.
Both parties agreed to undertake actions intended to build trust and confidence, including measures identified by the commission.
Both Countries Urged to Exercise Restraint
The agreed measures recognise the right of both countries to make statements to protect their legitimate rights or correct factual misinformation and disinformation.
At the same time, Cambodia and Thailand committed to exercising restraint in public communications and statements that could contribute to negative public sentiment or heighten tensions between their peoples.
The measures reflect an effort to maintain space for constructive dialogue while allowing both sides to defend their respective positions.
Cambodia Reaffirms Commitment to International Law
Cambodia expressed appreciation to the Conciliation Commission and the Permanent Court of Arbitration for helping the parties reach agreement on the confidence-building measures.
The Cambodian government also reaffirmed its support for the conciliation process it initiated, maintaining that international law provides a pathway for the peaceful resolution of disputes between states.
The agreement represents a further step in the ongoing UNCLOS conciliation process. However, the measures are intended to facilitate negotiations and build trust; they do not constitute a final settlement of the Cambodia-Thailand maritime dispute.
