Cambodia and Thailand have embarked on a United Nations-supported conciliation process to address their prolonged maritime boundary dispute in the Gulf of Thailand. This initiative falls under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), with foreign ministers from both nations presenting their opening remarks during the inaugural meeting. The core of Cambodia’s proposal is to establish a unified maritime boundary with Thailand; however, Phnom Penh has also suggested a joint development scheme that would enable both countries to share resources in the contested zone.
Thailand has emphasized that the proceedings should concentrate solely on the delineation of the maritime boundary and has affirmed its commitment to participating in the process sincerely. While Thailand had earlier advocated for resolving the disagreement through direct talks, it has now pledged to engage in the UNCLOS process. This dispute covers an expanse of approximately 26,000 square kilometers of waters, an area believed to be rich in natural gas and oil deposits, adding significant economic stakes to the issue.
In 2001, an agreement was reached to create a framework for the joint development of these valuable resources. However, this arrangement was terminated by Thailand in May, following heightened tensions stemming from deadly border clashes between the two countries. This breakdown in cooperation led Cambodia to initiate the compulsory conciliation process through UNCLOS in June, seeking an international platform to address the longstanding dispute.
The independent panel involved in the UNCLOS conciliation process is tasked with issuing recommendations to help resolve the conflict. Although these recommendations are not legally binding, they are intended to guide the discussions and negotiations between the two nations towards a resolution. The outcome of this process could pave the way for improved relations and economic cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand, as they seek to peacefully settle their differences over the resource-rich waters of the Gulf of Thailand.