Thailand: Cambodia Acts Contradictory to Peace Declarations After UNCLOS Move

Matichon•International•20d ago

Reader Briefing

Thailand criticizes Cambodia's initiation of UNCLOS conciliation as undermining stated goals of improved bilateral ties.

•Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on June 3rd addressing Cambodia's notification of commencing compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS.
•Thailand argues that Cambodia's move contradicts its stated desire to restore bilateral relations and engage in new discussions.
•Thailand reasserts its commitment to the Joint Statement from the 3rd Special GBC Meeting on December 27, 2025, regarding border issues.
•Thailand is prepared to proceed with UNCLOS mechanisms while protecting national interests and has identified conciliators.

Overview

•The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on June 3rd regarding Cambodia's notification of initiating compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS.
•Thailand views Cambodia's action as contradictory to Cambodia's consistent calls for restoring bilateral relations and various framework discussions.
•Thailand had previously informed Cambodia that the termination of the 2001 MOU on overlapping continental shelf claims was necessary due to changed contexts and a desire for new discussions.
•Thailand aims to find a way forward for mutual benefit, emphasizing that direct negotiations between neighbors are the best path to creative and mutually acceptable solutions.
•Thailand reiterates its adherence to the Joint Statement from the 3rd Special GBC Meeting between Thailand and Cambodia on December 27, 2025.
•Thailand is preparing to propose conciliators and tactical measures for the UNCLOS process.
•Compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS results in non-binding recommendations for parties to use in further negotiations.
•Thailand rejects Cambodia's allegations regarding land border issues and asserts adherence to the Joint Statement of December 27, 2025.

Full article content is available on the original source.

Read on Matichon (Thai Version)View in Google Translate

Source: Matichon (Original)

Key Quotes

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

"Cambodia's hasty decision to initiate the compulsory conciliation process under UNCLOS contradicts Cambodia's consistent calls for restoring bilateral relations."

การตัดสินใจที่เร่งรีบของกัมพูชาในครั้งนี้ที่จะเริ่มกระบวนการประนอมภาคบังคับภายใต้ UNCLOS กลับสวนทางกับสิ่งที่กัมพูชาเรียกร้องมาโดยตลอดว่าต้องการให้มีการฟื้นฟูความสัมพันธ์ทวิภาคี

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

"Thailand completely rejects this and reaffirms adherence to the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special GBC Meeting between Thailand and Cambodia on December 27, 2025."

ไทยขอปฏิเสธโดยสิ้นเชิง และขอยืนยันอีกครั้งว่า ฝ่ายไทยปฏิบัติตามถ้อยแถลงร่วม (Joint Statement) ของการประชุม GBC สมัยพิเศษครั้งที่ 3 ระหว่างไทยกับกัมพูชา เมื่อวันที่ 27 ธันวาคม 2025

Key Entities

Organization

Ministry of Foreign Affairs(กต.)ℹ️

The Thai government ministry responsible for foreign relations and diplomatic affairs, issuing statements on international disputes.

General Border Committee(GBC)

A committee for meetings between Thailand and Cambodia, whose 3rd Special Meeting produced a Joint Statement referenced by Thailand.

Place

Cambodia(กัมพูชา)ℹ️

The neighboring country initiating compulsory conciliation proceedings with Thailand under UNCLOS.

Thailand(ไทย)ℹ️

The country responding to Cambodia's UNCLOS actions, asserting its adherence to past agreements and national interests.

Law

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

The international treaty under which Cambodia has initiated compulsory conciliation proceedings concerning maritime disputes with Thailand.

Memorandum of Understanding between Thailand and Cambodia concerning the overlapping territorial claims in the continental shelf, B.E. 2001 (MOU 2001)(บันทึกความเข้าใจระหว่างไทยกับกัมพูชาว่าด้วยพื้นที่ที่ไทยและกัมพูชาอ้างสิทธิในไหล่ทวีปทับซ้อนกัน พ.ศ. 2001 (MOU 2001))

A past agreement between Thailand and Cambodia concerning overlapping continental shelf claims, which Thailand has deemed no longer suitable in its current context.