Cambodia-Thailand Overlapping Maritime Dispute Reaches Hague Arbitration Process

Cambodia-Thailand Overlapping Maritime Dispute Reaches Hague Arbitration Process

PHNOM PENH, June 26, 2026 — Cambodia’s maritime boundary dispute with Thailand has formally entered the arbitration process at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, with procedural steps now underway following the appointment of conciliators by both countries.

Chann Ratana, spokesman for Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, told BTV on Thursday that the PCA Registry has informed both parties that it will begin engaging with the four appointed conciliators to discuss the next steps in the compulsory conciliation process.

According to the spokesman, Cambodia carefully selected two internationally renowned legal experts to serve as conciliators, describing them as highly qualified figures chosen after thorough consideration of their professional credentials and expertise.

Following Thailand’s appointment of its two conciliators on June 19, the four-member conciliation commission now has 30 days to agree on the appointment of a fifth member, who will serve as chairperson. Under the procedure, consultations may be held with both parties before the chair is selected. Once the five-member commission is fully constituted, it will proceed with its internal procedures for handling the case.

The maritime dispute is being addressed through the compulsory conciliation mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn previously said that after Cambodia formally notified Thailand and the United Nations of its decision to initiate compulsory conciliation proceedings under UNCLOS, Thailand was given three weeks to respond to the notification.

Under the process, each country appoints two conciliators before jointly selecting a fifth member to chair the commission. The panel will then examine the dispute and issue recommendations aimed at facilitating a peaceful resolution of the overlapping maritime boundary issue between Cambodia and Thailand.