NEW YORK — At the 36th Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), held from June 15 to 18, 2026, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, H.E. Keo Chhea, Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the United Nations, informed the 171 States Parties and one regional organization of the reasons behind Cambodia’s decision to initiate compulsory conciliation proceedings under UNCLOS to resolve the maritime dispute with Thailand.
H.E. Keo Chhea emphasized that this decision followed Thailand’s unilateral termination of the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 2001) , which was the sole bilateral legal framework previously used to address overlapping continental shelf claims between the two countries. Thailand’s withdrawal from the more than 25‑year‑old MoU 2001 eliminated the only bilateral framework for negotiations, leaving Cambodia with no alternative but to turn to the remaining international legal mechanism – compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS.
Economic Implications of the Maritime Dispute
The Overlapping Claims Area (OCA) in the Gulf of Thailand is rich in valuable natural resources with significant implications for the national economy:
| Resource/Sector | Potential | Economic Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Oil and Natural Gas | The OCA is estimated to hold substantial oil and gas reserves | Development of energy resources can boost economic growth, enhance energy security, and attract foreign investment |
| Fisheries | The Gulf of Thailand is a major fishing ground | Resolving the dispute will ensure stable fishing rights for coastal communities |
| Maritime Trade and Shipping | Shipping routes in the Gulf of Thailand | Clear maritime boundaries will facilitate shipping and maritime trade |
| Tourism | Coastal areas and islands | Peace and stability in maritime areas will boost coastal tourism |
Economic Perspective: A peaceful resolution of the maritime dispute would allow Cambodia to benefit from its natural maritime resources, drive economic growth, and increase confidence among international investors. As demonstrated by the successful case between Timor-Leste and Australia in 2018, this conciliation process can serve as a model for peaceful dispute resolution and promote regional economic cooperation.
Response to Thailand’s Allegations
In response to the Thai representative’s statement that Cambodia was not pursuing bilateral negotiations and was instead internationalizing the bilateral dispute, H.E. Yaung Chansophea, Deputy Permanent Representative, replied that Thailand does not “walk the talk.” Thailand had given countless pretexts to reject Cambodia’s calls for bilateral negotiations under the MoU framework. On the contrary, Thailand unilaterally terminated the MoU 2001 and even used military force to violate Cambodia’s sovereignty.
H.E. Yaung Chansophea further stated that while Cambodia adheres to the peaceful resolution of disputes with all neighboring countries, Cambodia has chosen this compulsory conciliation process to ensure the protection and respect of Cambodia’s sovereignty and maritime rights.
ITLOS Judicial Elections
During the same meeting, States Parties elected new judges for the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on June 18. The elected judges are from Ghana, Tunisia, Vietnam, Russia, the Netherlands, India, and Brazil.
Vietnam’s first‑ever election to ITLOS is a notable development, reflecting ASEAN’s growing recognition in international maritime law forums.
💡 What Investors and Policymakers Should Know
| Key Point | Implication/Opportunity |
|---|---|
| Legal Certainty | UNCLOS‑based resolution provides a clear legal framework, enhancing investor confidence |
| Resource Potential | Resolving the dispute will allow Cambodia to develop oil, gas, and fishery resources, creating new investment opportunities |
| Regional Peace | The conciliation process demonstrates Cambodia’s commitment to peace and stability – a key factor for attracting investment |
| ASEAN Integration | A peaceful resolution will strengthen ASEAN integration and regional cooperation |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is UNCLOS?
A: UNCLOS is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, a key international treaty that defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the world’s oceans.
Q: When did Cambodia initiate the compulsory conciliation process?
A: The Royal Government of Cambodia sent formal notifications to Thailand and the UN Secretary‑General on June 2, 2026.
Q: Why didn’t Cambodia continue bilateral negotiations with Thailand?
A: Cambodia repeatedly attempted bilateral negotiations under the MoU 2001, but Thailand rejected Cambodia’s negotiation proposals on numerous pretexts before unilaterally terminating the MoU.
Q: Will the compulsory conciliation process affect Cambodia‑Thailand relations?
A: The Royal Government of Cambodia has affirmed that initiating this process does not represent a breakdown in bilateral ties, but rather a pursuit of a peaceful and lawful solution.
Q: Why is the Overlapping Claims Area (OCA) economically significant?
A: The OCA is rich in oil, gas, and fishery resources, which can drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance national energy security.
Cambodia’s decision to initiate compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS is a significant step in protecting its sovereignty and maritime rights. By demonstrating its commitment to peaceful resolution and respect for international law, Cambodia is showcasing maturity in dispute resolution that will help strengthen the investment climate and promote sustainable economic growth.
Thank you for peace!
