UNCLOS Commission Pushes Cambodia and Thailand to Honour Existing Agreements
UNCLOS Commission Pushes Cambodia and Thailand to Honour Existing Agreements
PHNOM PENH, October 19, 2026 — Cambodia and Thailand have agreed on confidence-building measures aimed at restoring mutual trust and facilitating an equitable and peaceful resolution to their maritime dispute, following the second meeting of a conciliation commission under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
According to a press release issued by Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on October 18, the commission met with both countries in The Hague, the Netherlands, from October 14 to 18, 2026.
The ministry said the agreed measures are intended to foster mutual trust and confidence while helping both sides work toward an amicable solution in accordance with international law.
Commission Urges Both Sides to Implement Agreements
The commission encouraged Cambodia and Thailand to fully and effectively implement the newly agreed confidence-building measures, describing them as important to advancing the conciliation process.
Under the measures, both parties recognise their right to make statements to protect their legitimate rights or correct factual misinformation and disinformation.
The commission also noted that agreements and measures previously reached between the two countries had not yet been fully implemented. It urged both sides to carry out their existing commitments to create an environment conducive to constructive negotiations.
Third Meeting Scheduled for November
The commission is scheduled to hold its third meeting with Cambodia and Thailand in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from November 24 to 27, 2026.
Cambodia’s delegation expressed appreciation to the commission and the Permanent Court of Arbitration for their efforts to facilitate constructive discussions and help both parties reach agreement on confidence-building measures.
The ministry added that the commission would issue its official press release on the outcomes of the second meeting in due course.
The latest development marks another step in the UNCLOS conciliation process, as Cambodia and Thailand continue efforts to address their maritime dispute through dialogue and international law.
