Thailand and Cambodia Continue Maritime Boundary Talks

Thailand and Cambodia resumed the second round of maritime conciliation talks under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in The Hague on Thursday (15 October), seeking to resolve their longstanding maritime boundary dispute.

According to Thai Inquirer, the closed-door meeting is being held at the Permanent Court of Arbitration until Sunday (18 October) to discuss technical and legal issues. Both sides presented evidence and explained the principles underpinning their respective maritime boundary claims.

Khmer Times reported that Cambodia is seeking a comprehensive maritime boundary agreement with Thailand under international law, while remaining open to joint development and fair resource-sharing.

Cambodia aims to sign an agreement with Thailand, with the assistance of the Conciliation Commission and in accordance with international law, to establish a single, comprehensive maritime boundary between the two countries.

The Thai delegation is led by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt, while the Cambodian delegation is headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow is scheduled to join on Saturday (17 October).

The first round of talks took place in Singapore from 14 to 16 September and produced an agreement on the commission’s appointment provisions and procedural rules. Both sides presented their positions and held separate discussions with the commission, but announced no resolution to the maritime boundary dispute.