15/09/2026
BREAKING NEWS]Cambodia Outlines Core Objectives and Stance at UNCLOS Conciliation Hearing, Seeking Permanent Maritime Treaty with Thailand
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SINGAPORE, September 15, 2026 — During the ongoing public conciliation proceedings under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in Singapore, Cambodia today articulated its primary objectives and firm commitment to international law, emphasizing peaceful dispute resolution to serve the interests of both nations and the broader ASEAN community.
Presenting the Kingdom's official position, Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, serving as Agent for Cambodia, outlined a clear vision for resolving the long-standing Overlapping Claims Area (OCA) in the Gulf of Thailand.
Outlining Cambodia's primary objective, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the pursuit of a comprehensive maritime boundary treaty:
"Turning now to Cambodia's objective in this conciliation. Our overriding objective is to achieve a resolution that serves the peoples of both nations and contributes to peace, cooperation and shared prosperity in the region. To that end, Cambodia wishes to conclude, with the assistance of the Commission and in accordance with international law, a treaty with Thailand delimiting a single, all-purpose maritime boundary between the two States," Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn said.
Demonstrating a flexible, step-by-step framework should boundary delimitation reach an impasse, Cambodia presented structured alternative pathways:
"In the alternative, Cambodia would be prepared to conclude an agreement with Thailand for the joint development and equitable sharing of resources between the two States, pending final agreement on their maritime boundary," Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn said.
"If a final agreement on either a maritime boundary or a joint development arrangement cannot be concluded, Cambodia would request the Commission to prepare a report containing recommendations to the Parties, on the basis of which such an agreement could subsequently be concluded in compliance with the Parties' obligations under UNCLOS," Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn added.
Reaffirming Cambodia’s deep-rooted dedication to international law and judicial mechanisms, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the country's historical experience:
"Respect for international law, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the institutions that uphold these principles is deeply rooted in Cambodia’s national experience. Our recourse to the International Court of Justice reflects our confidence in international institutions as a means of resolving complex disputes between States peacefully and in accordance with international law," Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn said.
"That experience showed that questions of the highest national importance can be addressed peacefully and through multilateral mechanisms rather than by force, and that international frameworks can provide a stable and enduring foundation upon which neighbouring States can manage their differences," Deputy Prime Minister PRAK Sokhonn highlighted.
Cambodia expressed its sincere hope that Thailand will engage constructively in the process while working in parallel to improve bilateral relations through the full implementation of existing agreements, particularly the Joint Statement of December 27, 2025. Such efforts would facilitate the safe return of over 20,000 displaced villagers, protect damaged cultural heritage sites, and rebuild mutual trust for the benefit of both nations and the broader ASEAN Community.
