Thailand, Cambodia Seek International Law Solution in Maritime Dispute Mediation

Thailand and Cambodia recently held a maritime boundary mediation conference in The Hague, Netherlands, focusing on maritime delimitation and the establishment of confidence-building measures, during which the two sides exchanged views. The meeting was held at the venue of an international arbitration body, aiming to seek a solution in accordance with international law through dialogue and negotiation. A spokesperson for the Thai Foreign Ministry stated that Thailand would advance the mediation process in accordance with international law while firmly safeguarding Thai sovereignty and national interests.

The background of this round of mediation dates back to 2018, when Thailand and Cambodia submitted a dispute over maritime delimitation in the Gulf of Thailand to arbitration. In 2021, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague issued a ruling that Cambodia held sovereignty over certain maritime areas. Thailand did not accept this outcome and continued to assert its legitimate rights and interests in the disputed waters. Disputes between the two countries over oil and gas resources, fishing rights, and maritime traffic routes have long been a sensitive issue in their bilateral relations.

During the current meeting, the two sides primarily discussed how to establish confidence-building measures within the existing disputed areas to reduce friction and promote common interests. Proposals included the bilateral establishment of joint monitoring stations, the sharing of marine environmental data, the joint formulation of fisheries management regulations, and the implementation of temporary patrol agreements in the disputed waters. The Thai side emphasized that any confidence-building measures must be conducted on the premise of ensuring that Thai sovereignty is not infringed upon, and demanded that Cambodia also comply with international legal norms.

In a statement issued after the conclusion of the meeting, the Thai Foreign Ministry reiterated that while Thailand is willing to resolve disputes peacefully, it will firmly oppose any resolution that may undermine its sovereignty. This stance reflects not only a procedural attitude within the framework of international law but also the firmness of Thailand’s domestic and foreign policies. The Thai government stated that it will continue to negotiate with Cambodia while reserving the right to take legal or other international measures when necessary to ensure that national interests are not harmed.

The holding of this mediation conference is of significant importance for peace and stability in the Southeast Asian region. If substantive progress is made on the issue of maritime delimitation, it will provide a more stable foundation for economic cooperation, energy development, and fisheries management between the two countries, and will also help maintain maritime security and freedom of navigation in the region. On the other hand, if negotiations reach a deadlock, it could further affect the atmosphere of cooperation within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and even cause fluctuations in the regional energy market. Thailand’s posture in this meeting, combining a firm stance on sovereignty with a willingness to engage in dialogue, may set a precedent for future peaceful resolutions. (Source: Central News Agency)