Cambodia’s four key proposals have been agreed upon for inclusion in a package of confidence-building measures by the Conciliation Commission established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), aiming to ease tensions and create a favourable environment for resolving the maritime boundary dispute between Cambodia and Thailand.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn announced the outcome in a special interview broadcast by the National Television of Cambodia (TVK) yesterday following the Commission’s second meeting in The Hague, the Netherlands.
The four proposals cover constructive public communication, avoiding threats or the use of force, restoring diplomatic representation to an appropriate level and fully implementing existing agreements. Both parties are expected to avoid inflammatory rhetoric that could undermine negotiations and refrain from military threats or force in the maritime areas concerned to ensure safe navigation and protect the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities.
On diplomatic representation, Cambodia proposed restoring relations to an appropriate level, including the return of deputy heads of mission, after both countries’ representation had been downgraded to the level of second secretary.
The measure aims to maintain direct communication between the two governments, particularly their Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers, to resolve issues through diplomacy rather than military means.
The fourth proposal calls for both sides to faithfully implement existing agreements, particularly the ceasefire and the Joint Statement of December 27, 2025. Sokhonn stressed that tensions on land could negatively affect the maritime conciliation process, making compliance with land-related agreements essential despite the Commission’s maritime mandate.
The two parties also agreed to establish a direct hotline between their naval commanders to address urgent maritime incidents during negotiations. In addition, the Commission recognised Cambodia’s right to make statements on the international stage to defend the facts and its legitimate rights and correct misinformation.
Responding to past Thai accusations that Cambodia was portraying itself as a victim Sokhonn said: ‘Cambodia does not need to play the victim, because we are already the victim.
He said that the confidence-building measures carried significant legal, political and moral weight because they were undertaken at the Peace Palace in The Hague, which houses the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
He compared commitments made before these institutions to taking an oath in a pagoda before Buddhist monks, emphasising the importance of honouring commitments to international law and diplomacy.
According to Sokhonn, the Commission’s third meeting will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from November 23 to 27, followed by its fourth meeting in The Hague in late January 2027. AKP
- Tags: Cambodia Thailand, UNCLOS
