Thailand is not at a disadvantage. Sihasak urges the Thai people to trust the transparency of the binding conciliation process, revealing that the UNCLOS commission chairperson will be appointed before 19 July, highlighting the key qualification of expertise in both diplomacy and law.
3 July 2026 GMT+7 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Puangketkaew revealed progress on the binding conciliation process under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Today, he participated in a meeting with a committee composed of various agencies to gather opinions on how to approach the UNCLOS process and negotiate. He informed the agencies about past actions taken and discussed the working methods before meeting with the conciliators. There will be a Thai committee meeting to hear all parties’ views, emphasizing transparent work so the Thai public knows the process status. Although the committee includes various agencies, it is still insufficient, so discussions with all sectors—academics and Parliament—are needed.
Regarding the progress in selecting the UNCLOS commission chairperson, Sihasak said the one-month timeframe will end on 19 July 2026. The selection is ongoing, and it is believed that the appointing body will choose someone with experience in both law and diplomacy. He added that it is the right of both the Thai and Cambodian conciliators to choose, and he believes that the final selection will consider whether both sides accept the candidate and how confident they are in the chairperson.
Additionally, Sihasak said he urged the Thai public to trust that the government is transparent and that the Thai side is well-prepared, coordinating with all agencies to build consensus. The government will communicate the process to the public and encourage participation from all sectors. .