Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister emphasized maritime boundary delimitation as key in UNCLOS proceedings with Cambodia, while addressing land border tensions and confirming readiness for upcoming meetings in The Hague.
Key Points
- Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow emphasized Thailand’s commitment to maritime boundary delimitation in conciliation proceedings with Cambodia under UNCLOS, following the first Commission meeting in Singapore on September 16, 2026. Thailand presented its position and responded to the Commission’s inquiries in alignment with international law.
- Thailand’s delegation, which includes the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies, is preparing for the upcoming meeting in The Hague, attended by Cambodian representatives.
- Responding to reports of Cambodian troops digging trenches at Hill 450, Sihasak noted the issue relates to land borders and doesn’t directly impact the maritime conciliation process. He stated that such developments could affect the atmosphere of discussions, while refraining from speculating on their intent pending an investigation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow stated that Thailand has reaffirmed that maritime boundary delimitation remains its primary focus in the conciliation proceedings with Cambodia under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Following the Conciliation Commission’s first meeting in Singapore on September 16, 2026, the Deputy Prime Minister said both parties presented their positions. Thailand addressed the Commission’s questions in accordance with international law and clearly outlined its stance on maritime delimitation.
Thailand’s delegation, which includes the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies, is preparing for the next meeting in The Hague, the Netherlands, which Cambodian representatives have also agreed to attend.
Addressing reports of Cambodian troops digging trenches at Hill 450 near Chong Kradon and Chong Sa-ngam in Phu Sing District, Sisaket Province, the Deputy Prime Minister said the issue pertains to the land border and is not directly part of the UNCLOS maritime conciliation process. He added that developments along the land border could influence the atmosphere of discussions and mutual trust.
When asked whether the reported incident was intended to create tensions during the UNCLOS meeting, Sihasak declined to speculate, saying that relevant authorities will conduct a thorough factual investigation before making any official conclusions.
Source : Thailand Reaffirms Maritime Delimitation as Priority in UNCLOS Conciliation
