Cambodia denies UNCLOS blocks land border talks with Thailand

Matichon•International•16h ago

Reader Briefing

The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected claims by Thailand's Sihasak Phuangketkeow that UNCLOS processes have halted land border negotiations.

•Cambodia issued a statement on July 20 denying that UNCLOS prevents land border talks.
•Cambodia asserts that maritime and land border issues are governed by separate bilateral mechanisms.
•Cambodia claims Thailand unilaterally withdrew from bilateral maritime negotiations.
•Cambodia urged Thailand to resume work with the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).

Overview

•The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia stated on July 20 that claims by Sihasak Phuangketkeow regarding UNCLOS closing the door on land negotiations are incorrect.
•The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia maintains that maritime and land border issues are under completely separate bilateral legal frameworks and mechanisms.
•Land border demarcation remains under the supervision of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) per the Memorandum of Understanding 2000 and a ceasefire agreement dated December 27, 2025.
•The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia noted that Thailand previously expressed intent to reference UNCLOS for its own maritime claims.
•The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia observed that Thailand unilaterally withdrew from bilateral maritime negotiations.
•The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia warned Thailand regarding obligations under the 1904 and 1907 treaties and International Court of Justice rulings from 1962 and 2013 concerning Preah Vihear Temple.
•The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia stated that delaying border demarcation to maintain control over disputed territories violates the UN and ASEAN charters.
•The Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie passed a resolution on July 11 supporting the resumption of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).

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Key Quotes

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia

"incorrect"

ไม่ถูกต้อง

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia

"not Cambodia"

ไม่ใช่กัมพูชา

Key Entities

Organization

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia(กระทรวงต่างประเทศและความร่วมมือระหว่างประเทศกัมพูชา)

The Cambodian government body that issued a statement denying claims that UNCLOS blocks land border talks.

Joint Boundary Commission(คณะกรรมการเขตแดนร่วม)

The body responsible for overseeing border demarcation as specified in the MOU 2000.

International Court of Justice(ศาลยุติธรรมระหว่างประเทศ)ℹ️

The judicial body that issued rulings in 1962 and 2013 regarding Preah Vihear Temple.

Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie(สมัชชารัฐสภากลุ่มประเทศที่ใช้ภาษาฝรั่งเศส)

An international body that issued a resolution on July 11 supporting the return to JBC operations.

ASEAN(อาเซียน)ℹ️

A regional organization whose charter Cambodia claims is violated by delaying border demarcation.

United Nations(สหประชาชาติ)ℹ️

An international organization whose charter Cambodia claims is violated by delaying border demarcation.

Person

Sihasak Phuangketkeow(สีหศักดิ์ พวงเกตุแก้ว)ℹ️

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

Law

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea(อนุสัญญาสหประชาชาติว่าด้วยกฎหมายทะเล)ℹ️

An international agreement (UNCLOS) cited in the dispute over maritime and land border negotiations.

Place

Preah Vihear Temple(ปราสาทพระวิหาร)ℹ️

A temple site subject to International Court of Justice rulings in 1962 and 2013.