Cambodia and Thailand are preparing for a new stage in the conciliation process over their maritime boundary dispute. From October 14 to 18, 2026, the two sides will attend the second meeting of the Conciliation Commission under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands, to continue discussions on their maritime boundary.
The meeting will take place within the framework of international law, with the aim of helping the two sides find ways to resolve the dispute through peaceful dialogue. The Peace Palace houses the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration, but this meeting is part of a conciliation procedure, rather than a trial before the International Court of Justice.
The first conciliation meeting was held in Singapore from September 14 to 16, laying the groundwork for further communication and consultations.
Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn previously said Cambodia had put forward several possible approaches. These include establishing the maritime boundary through an agreement, exploring the joint development of offshore resources, and considering recommendations from the Conciliation Commission if the two sides are unable to reach agreement.
The maritime boundary issue concerns the rights and interests of both sides at sea and the development of resources, and has long been a matter of concern for Cambodia and Thailand. Communication through the conciliation mechanism can help the two sides continue exploring possibilities for a peaceful settlement.
The final outcome of the second meeting has yet to be announced. Attention will focus on whether the two sides can narrow their differences in the forthcoming discussions and create conditions for the next stage of negotiations.