Thai Government Refutes Cambodian Reports on UNCLOS Maritime Dispute and Border Reopening

Brickinfo News Agency – The Thai government has officially dismissed claims made by Cambodian media regarding a supposed agreement to enter a compulsory conciliation process over overlapping maritime claims. Government Spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek clarified that Thailand has merely acknowledged Cambodia’s intent to utilize the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) framework but emphasized that this acknowledgment does not constitute legal consent or a formal agreement to the terms proposed by the neighboring nation.

The dispute stems from a report published by Cambodian news outlets on May 9, 2026, which alleged that Thailand had agreed to the UNCLOS compulsory conciliation mechanism to resolve long-standing overlapping claims areas (OCA) in the Gulf of Thailand. According to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Cambodia has expressed its desire to move forward with this international legal process, the Thai administration remains committed to bilateral discussions. The government believes that existing regional mechanisms should be fully exhausted before jumping to conclusions regarding the finality of dispute resolution methods.

Addressing rumors regarding the reopening of border checkpoints, the spokesperson clarified the nature of recent high-level talks. During the latest ASEAN Summit, a trilateral meeting took place between Thai Prime Minister, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This meeting, initiated by the Philippines as the ASEAN Chair, was a preliminary dialogue aimed at fostering mutual understanding.

Regarding the specifics of those discussions, Ratchada Thanadirek stated, “There were no negotiations concerning the demarcation of borders or the reopening of border crossings whatsoever.” She further explained that both parties only agreed to initiate discussions at the operational level to build a shared understanding of various technical issues before any formal policy changes could be considered.

The Thai government maintains that any progress on maritime sovereignty or border agreements will be handled with extreme caution to protect the nation’s integrity. The administration emphasized that its primary focus remains on the national interest and the well-being of the Thai people, ensuring that the country does not suffer any loss of rights through international legal maneuvers.

Ms. Ratchada concluded by reaffirming Thailand’s stance on diplomacy, stating, “The Thai government confirms it will proceed with all measures prudently and comprehensively, based on the maximum benefit of the nation and its people. Thailand will fully protect its prestige, sovereignty, and the interests of its citizens, adhering to peaceful methods and constructive dialogue.”