AKP Phnom Penh, June 04, 2026 -- Cambodia has officially invoked the compulsory conciliation mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to resolve the long-standing Overlapping Claims Area (OCA) dispute with Thailand.

The move, which seeks a permanent and equitable resolution in the Gulf of Thailand, does not represent a breakdown in bilateral ties, according to Royal Government official.

“On the contrary, Cambodia is bringing the dialogue into a clearly structured international framework recognised by both nations,” said Royal Government Spokesperson H.E. Pen Bona during a live briefing on Cambodia-Thailand border developments at the Office of the Council of Ministers on Thursday.

“Both countries stand to benefit from a fair and lasting solution agreed upon under the guidance of international conciliation experts in accordance with international law.”

H.E. Pen Bona reiterated Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet’s June 2 message that a peaceful resolution would bolster regional stability, safeguard sovereignty, and unlock vital energy resources to drive economic development and job creation for current and future generations in both countries.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet stressed that while Cambodia strictly respects the sovereignty of others, it remains resolutely committed to protecting its own – not through force, but through law; not through unilateral action, but through joint, peaceful dispute resolution. He urged Cambodian citizens to remain united.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Prak Sokhonn, confirmed that official notifications have been dispatched to Thailand and the United Nations to trigger the process. While awaiting Thailand’s formal response, Cambodia has already selected its two designated international conciliators for the upcoming proceedings.

By K. Rithy Reak