NEW YORK — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.E. Prak Sokhonn has reaffirmed Cambodia’s position on initiating compulsory conciliation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) during talks with his Thai counterpart H.E. Sihasak Phuangketkeow on the sidelines of the United Nations Security Council High‑Level Open Debate.
Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Meeting date | May 26, 2026 |
| Location | New York (UNSC debate sidelines) |
| Cambodian official | H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy PM & Foreign Minister |
| Thai official | H.E. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Foreign Minister |
| Key issue | Compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS for maritime dispute |
| Previous agreement | Joint Statement of Dec. 27, 2025 |
| ASEAN Summit reference | 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu (May 7, 2026) |
The meeting took place on May 26, according to a press release issued by the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Compulsory Conciliation: A Peaceful Mechanism
During the meeting, H.E. Prak Sokhonn reiterated Cambodia’s stance on pursuing compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS as a peaceful and lawful mechanism to address maritime boundary differences between the two countries.
Under UNCLOS, compulsory conciliation involves the establishment of a neutral conciliation commission that examines the dispute and issues non‑binding recommendations to both parties. While the recommendations are not legally enforceable, the process is designed to facilitate dialogue and narrow differences.
The Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister also called for the full and effective implementation, in good faith, of the Joint Statement of December 27, 2025, which had established a cease-fire and outlined steps for de-escalation along the border.
Follow‑Up to Cebu Summit
The talks followed up on a trilateral meeting among Cambodia, Thailand, and the Philippines held on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu on May 7, where leaders tasked the foreign ministers of Cambodia and Thailand with discussing confidence‑building measures and exploring ways forward regarding bilateral tensions.
H.E. Prak Sokhonn informed his Thai counterpart that Cambodia remains ready to work with Thailand to implement measures agreed upon by the two prime ministers in Cebu in order to rebuild trust and seek a just and lasting solution.
Commitment to Dialogue
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close and regular communication. However, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow did not publicly comment on Cambodia’s specific proposal for compulsory conciliation following the meeting. No joint statement was issued.
Analyst’s View
Dr. Chheng Kimlong, a regional security and policy analyst, said that Cambodia’s public reaffirmation of the UNCLOS pathway is a calculated diplomatic move.
“By repeatedly raising compulsory conciliation, Cambodia is signaling its commitment to a rules‑based international order. It puts the ball in Thailand’s court. Whether Bangkok agrees to participate or not, Phnom Penh can claim it has exhausted peaceful options. The lack of a joint statement suggests that significant differences remain,” he said.
What’s Next
No timeline has been announced for the formal initiation of compulsory conciliation. Diplomatic sources indicate that working‑level talks may continue in the coming weeks. The Thai government has not yet issued an official response to Cambodia’s latest proposal.