Thailand has formally accepted Cambodia's notification of conciliation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to address their longstanding maritime boundary dispute in the Gulf of Thailand. The announcement was made on June 22, 2026, by Thai government spokesperson.
The dispute centers on overlapping claims over an area of approximately 26,000 square kilometers in the Gulf of Thailand, which is believed to contain significant oil and gas reserves. Both countries have agreed to enter into conciliation proceedings, a non-binding dispute resolution mechanism under UNCLOS, to seek a mutually acceptable solution.
This marks a positive step in bilateral relations, as the two nations have previously engaged in negotiations without reaching a final agreement. The conciliation process is expected to involve a commission that will facilitate dialogue and propose a settlement.
Cambodia initiated the conciliation process earlier this year, and Thailand's acceptance paves the way for formal proceedings. The move is seen as a commitment to peaceful resolution of maritime disputes in accordance with international law.
