Cambodia and Thailand have embarked on a United Nations-supported effort to reconcile their prolonged maritime boundary dispute in the Gulf of Thailand. This process, which falls under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), saw the foreign ministers of both nations deliver opening remarks in its first session. Cambodia aims to establish a single maritime boundary with Thailand, but also suggested a joint development agreement to share resources in the contested waters.
The Thai government emphasized that the discussions should concentrate solely on maritime boundary delimitation. Thailand has also affirmed its commitment to participating in these proceedings in good faith, despite its earlier preference for resolving the matter through direct negotiations. The contested region spans approximately 26,000 square kilometers and is believed to hold substantial natural gas and oil reserves, making it a significant economic interest for both countries.
In 2001, both nations had agreed on a framework for joint resource development in the area. However, this arrangement was terminated by Thailand in May, amid rising tensions following deadly border skirmishes between the two countries. Cambodia subsequently initiated the compulsory conciliation process under UNCLOS in June.
The independent panel handling the conciliation can offer recommendations to resolve the dispute, but it is important to note that its conclusions are not legally binding for either party. Despite the lack of enforceability, the process represents a structured approach to addressing a conflict that has persisted for over 25 years.