Cambodia Initiates UN-Backed Process to Settle Maritime Dispute with Thailand

Cambodia has launched a compulsory conciliation process under international law to resolve a long-running maritime boundary dispute with Thailand, notifying the UN and Bangkok.

Tue Jun 02 2026

Cambodia Begins UN-Backed Conciliation for Maritime Dispute

Cambodia announced on Tuesday it has initiated a compulsory conciliation process under international law to resolve its long-standing maritime boundary dispute with Thailand, informing both the United Nations and Bangkok. This step follows a decision last month by the Thai government to unilaterally terminate a 2001 agreement that had provided a framework for negotiations over the disputed area in the Gulf of Thailand, where the two countries' maritime claims overlap.

Response to Thailand's Unilateral Termination of Agreement

The move by Cambodia comes after Thailand's government unilaterally decided to end a 2001 agreement that facilitated negotiations concerning the overlapping maritime claims. Cambodia stated it has taken this step in response to Thailand's termination of the agreement, aiming to address the protracted dispute through international legal mechanisms. The conciliation process seeks to bring a resolution to the contested waters.

*Source: SCMP (2026-06-02)*

Tags: #Cambodia #Thailand #Maritime Dispute #United Nations #International Law