Cambodia appeals to the UN in an attempt to resolve its maritime dispute with Thailand

The Cambodian government has announced that it has launched a conciliation process under the auspices of the United Nations in order to resolve its long-standing maritime dispute with Thailand in the Gulf of Thailand, an area potentially rich in hydrocarbons.

This initiative comes after Bangkok's decision to unilaterally terminate an agreement signed in 2001, which until now had served as the framework for discussions between the two countries regarding their competing maritime claims.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that this move aimed to protect Cambodia's sovereignty and maritime rights in accordance with international law. According to Phnom Penh, Thai authorities and the United Nations have been officially notified of the initiation of these proceedings.

The area in question is considered strategic due to its significant potential reserves of oil and natural gas. Estimates suggest resources could represent several hundred billion dollars, which explains the importance of the issue for both countries.

On the Thai side, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul indicated that he had not yet received details of the procedure initiated by Cambodia. He specified that Bangkok had not yet finalized its position regarding the next steps to be taken.

According to Cambodian authorities, Thailand now has 21 days to appoint its conciliators under the mechanism provided for by international law.

The maritime dispute between the two Southeast Asian neighbors has lasted for decades. Despite several rounds of negotiations, no definitive agreement has yet been reached to clearly delimit the maritime zones claimed by the two states.

The opening of this conciliation procedure marks a new attempt to peacefully resolve a sensitive dispute that could have significant consequences for the future exploitation of energy resources in the Gulf of Thailand.