Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to a series of confidence-building measures concerning a long-disputed maritime area in the Gulf of Thailand. The agreement was reached during the second meeting of a Conciliation Commission, held from Oct. 14 to 18 at the Peace Palace in The Hague.
The commission was established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to help the two nations resolve their overlapping claims to a 26,000-square-kilometer offshore area believed to be rich in oil and gas reserves.
In a joint press release issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which is facilitating the proceedings, the parties stated they had reached a “common understanding on a set of confidence-building measures.” The statement noted these measures are intended to de-escalate tensions and create a positive environment for future negotiations. The specifics of the measures were not publicly detailed.
The dispute over the Overlapping Claims Area (OCA) dates back several decades. In 2001, Cambodia and Thailand signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop resources in parts of the disputed territory while working to demarcate the maritime border. However, progress on implementing the agreement has been limited.
The current conciliation process began after Cambodia initiated proceedings in 2021 under UNCLOS Annex V. This mechanism provides for a commission to hear from both parties and issue a non-binding report with recommendations aimed at reaching an amicable settlement. The first meeting of the commission took place earlier this year.
According to the joint statement, the October meeting was conducted in a “cordial and constructive atmosphere.” Delegations from both countries presented their positions and engaged in discussions facilitated by the five-member Conciliation Commission.
The Cambodian delegation was led by Var Kim Hong, Senior Minister in charge of border affairs. The Thai delegation was led by Suriya Chindawongse, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Conciliation Commission will continue its work with the two countries. The proceedings are confidential, and further meetings are expected as part of the established process. The commission’s final report is intended to provide a framework for a potential resolution to the maritime boundary dispute.
