Bangkok: The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that the Committee on Compromise has requested an extension of the deadline for selecting its chairman to August 14.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Jaithai Upakarnnitikaset, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared the progress regarding the appointment of the Chairperson of the Compulsory Conciliation Commission under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Initially, the deadline for the selection process was set for July 19. However, an agreement was reached to extend this deadline until August 14, 2026, allowing additional time to identify a suitable candidate that all parties find agreeable. Ms. Upakarnnitikaset highlighted the importance of selecting a chairperson with expertise in international law, diplomatic experience, impartiality, and a comprehensive understanding of the Thai-Cambodian situation to achieve a sustainable solution.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that choosing the committee chairman is the responsibility of the four committee members. Allocating more time to find a widely accepted individual is considered advantageous for working towards a sustainable solution that satisfies both parties. Once a chairman is selected, the committee will convene to discuss the work framework and establish reconciliation procedures. It is important to note that the conclusions from the reconciliation mechanism are not binding; they rely on both parties' decisions and discussions to reach an agreement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with related agencies, is committed to proceeding with full professionalism and transparency, adhering to Thai law, international principles, and international law, while prioritizing sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests. The Ministry is also committed to informing the public of any significant developments.