PHNOM PENH โ Cambodia has expressed its interest in resolving longstanding overlapping maritime claims with Thailand through peaceful means in order to unlock significant offshore energy resources, according to Minister of Mines and Energy H.E. Keo Rottanak.
Speaking in a recent exclusive interview with CNBC, H.E. Keo Rottanak said the two countries have a shared interest in developing the soโcalled Overlapping Claims Area (OCA), which he noted could generate substantial economic benefits, including an estimated US$300 billion in shared oil and gas resources.
“Such cooperation would not only benefit Cambodia and Thailand but could also contribute to broader regional energy security at a time of global energy uncertainty,” the minister said.
Commitment to International Law
Cambodia, he stressed, remains firmly committed to peaceful dialogue and adherence to international law in resolving the issue. The minister recalled that both Cambodia and Thailand are parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), under which maritime disputes can be addressed through established legal mechanisms.
He also referred to a 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries, which he said provided a framework for joint development of petroleum resources in the OCA while negotiations on maritime delimitation were pursued.
However, he noted with regret that Thailand later withdrew from the agreement, which had been intended to guide cooperation in the disputed area. Thai officials have not yet publicly responded to Cambodia’s latest proposal.
Exploring Compulsory Conciliation
Despite the setback, H.E. Keo Rottanak said Cambodia continues to believe in dialogue and peaceful settlement under international law, adding that Cambodia is considering the use of compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS as a possible mechanism to help resolve the maritime boundary dispute in a fair and peaceful manner.
Under compulsory conciliation, a neutral conciliation commission is established to examine the dispute and make nonโbinding recommendations to both parties. While the recommendations are not legally enforceable, the process is designed to facilitate dialogue and narrow differences.
Regional Energy Security
The minister emphasized that resolving the issue would allow both countries to jointly develop and share offshore resources for mutual benefit, while also contributing to ASEANโs broader energy needs at a time when global energy markets remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions.
Analyst’s View
Dr. Chheng Kimlong, a regional security and policy analyst, said that Cambodia’s willingness to invoke UNCLOS mechanisms is a significant diplomatic step.
“Compulsory conciliation is not an aggressive act; it is a dispute resolution tool built into UNCLOS. By raising this option publicly, Cambodia is signaling its commitment to a rulesโbased order. The $300 billion figure is eye-catching, but the real story is Cambodia’s patience and adherence to international law despite Thailand’s withdrawal from the 2001 MoU,” he said.
He added that any joint development would require political will on both sides and that Thailand’s response remains the key variable.
What’s Next
No formal timeline has been announced for the initiation of compulsory conciliation. Cambodia has indicated it will continue bilateral dialogue while preparing possible legal steps. The Thai government has not yet issued an official statement on the matter.
FAQ: Cambodia-Thailand Overlapping Claims Area (OCA)
Q: What is the Overlapping Claims Area (OCA)?
A: The OCA is a maritime area in the Gulf of Thailand where Cambodia and Thailand both claim overlapping exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and continental shelf rights. It is believed to contain significant oil and natural gas deposits.
Q: How much are the resources in the OCA worth?
A: According to Cambodia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, the shared resources are estimated at US$300 billion. Independent estimates vary, but the area is widely considered to be hydrocarbonโrich.
Q: What is compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS?
A: It is a dispute resolution mechanism under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. A neutral commission is formed to hear both sides and issue nonโbinding recommendations to help the parties reach a settlement.
Q: Why did Thailand withdraw from the 2001 MoU?
A: The reasons have not been officially detailed. Political changes and differing interpretations of the maritime boundary have been cited by analysts.
Q: Can Cambodia force Thailand into conciliation?
A: Compulsory conciliation can be initiated unilaterally under certain conditions of UNCLOS, but its recommendations are nonโbinding. Successful resolution ultimately requires mutual consent.
Q: What happens if the dispute remains unresolved?
A: The OCA resources remain undeveloped. Both countries lose potential revenue, and the area remains a source of diplomatic friction.