(Photo by AFP PHOTO / AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESS / AKP)
Cambodia has announced its use of the “Compulsory Conciliation” mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to resolve the maritime dispute with Thailand after Thailand withdrew from MOU44.
On Tuesday, 5 May 2026 GMT+7, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet posted on his Facebook page announcing Cambodia’s decision to proceed with the “Compulsory Conciliation” mechanism under UNCLOS to peacefully resolve the overlapping maritime claims with Thailand following Thailand’s withdrawal from MOU44.
“Dear fellow citizens, today the Royal Government of Cambodia has decided to proceed with the 'Compulsory Conciliation' mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to peacefully and lawfully resolve the overlapping maritime claims between Cambodia and Thailand. This follows Thailand’s official unilateral withdrawal from the Memorandum of Understanding between Cambodia and Thailand, known as MOU 2544 (referred to by the Thai side as MOU44).”
“For over 25 years, this Memorandum of Understanding has served as a mutually agreed bilateral framework to manage the overlapping maritime claims. The effectiveness of this agreement reflected the spirit of cooperation and goodwill between both parties.”
“It is regrettable that Thailand has unilaterally withdrawn from this agreement. Cambodia has consistently valued the bilateral mechanisms under this MOU to manage the maritime overlap. This unilateral withdrawal represents a rejection of the only bilateral agreement that both sides have jointly upheld for more than two decades.”
“In this situation, as a state that respects and adheres strictly to international law and peaceful dispute resolution, Cambodia has no choice but to rely on international law and UNCLOS, particularly the 'Compulsory Conciliation' mechanism under this convention.”
“On this occasion, I wish to clarify that the 'Compulsory Conciliation' mechanism was established by UNCLOS to assist parties in peacefully resolving disputes in accordance with international law. Therefore, Cambodia’s decision reflects our sincere hope that both countries can achieve a just and sustainable solution under international law, allowing our peoples to coexist peacefully, stably, and harmoniously.”
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Source:facebook