The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia has formally refuted allegations from Thai officials suggesting that Cambodia’s use of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) has negatively impacted land border discussions. Thai Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow had previously argued that the UNCLOS process effectively halted progress on land boundary negotiations.
In a statement, the Cambodian ministry clarified that maritime and land border issues are governed by distinct legal frameworks and separate bilateral mechanisms. Officials emphasized that UNCLOS serves as a legitimate, peaceful avenue for addressing maritime disagreements and should not be utilized as a justification to pause land demarcation efforts. According to the ministry, land boundary work remains under the purview of the Joint Boundary Commission, as established by the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding and the ceasefire agreement signed on December 27, 2025.
Cambodian authorities further noted that Thailand has previously expressed interest in utilizing UNCLOS for its own maritime claims and accused Thailand of unilaterally withdrawing from bilateral maritime negotiations. The ministry urged Thai counterparts to honor existing obligations, including the 1904 and 1907 treaties and International Court of Justice rulings concerning the Preah Vihear Temple.
The statement warned that stalling demarcation to maintain control over disputed areas contradicts the charters of the UN and ASEAN. Support for the continuation of the Joint Boundary Commission's work was recently echoed by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie in a resolution dated July 11.
Source: Khmer Times
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