The Hague:Thailand and Cambodia have reached a significant milestone in their ongoing efforts to resolve maritime boundary disputes. The second meeting of the Conciliation Commission, held at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands, concluded with both nations agreeing on Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting, which took place from October 14-18, 2026, marked the first tangible achievement in the maritime boundary demarcation process. Ms. Katrina Cooper, Chair of the Conciliation Commission from Australia, announced the success of the discussions and highlighted the progress made towards a Comprehensive Border Agreement (CBA), emphasizing the mutual trust and willingness to compromise demonstrated by both countries.
Mr. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cambodia, described the meeting as positive and expressed Cambodia's readiness to foster a conducive atmosphere for further negotiations. He was joined by Sihasak Phuangketkeo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, who reiterated Thailand's commitment to sincere cooperation and the importance of a sustainable solution to the maritime boundary issue.
The mediation process began with Cambodia's request submitted on June 2, 2026, and Thailand's subsequent response on June 19, 2026. The international commission overseeing the discussions is composed of five members from Australia, Denmark, France, South Africa, and Germany. After an initial meeting in Singapore in February, the commission is now set to continue with detailed technical and legal discussions to ensure a fair resolution for both sides.