Sihasak revealed that on 14 August, the chairperson of the UNCLOS Conciliation Panel will be selected from a list of candidates representing Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The first discussion is scheduled for September. He also disclosed that Thailand is awaiting the UNHCR platform to respond to the "Andrews" report.
At 12:05 on 11 August 2026 at Government House, Mr. Sihasak Puangketkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke about progress in selecting the chairperson of the Conciliation Panel under the Compulsory Conciliation procedure of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. He said that on 14 August, one chairperson will be chosen from a list of about 10 qualified individuals previously submitted for consideration by both Thailand and Cambodia. Thailand reviewed and shortlisted six candidates and returned the list. The chairperson will be selected from the candidates approved by both countries. The first conciliation meeting is expected around September, with the venue likely at a maritime law office in Europe or Asia. Possible locations include The Hague in the Netherlands, Paris in France, Singapore, or Vietnam.
Mr. Sihasak added that the United Nations provided the list of candidates from Europe, Asia, and Latin America, selected based on qualifications.
When asked about the progress in disputing Tom Andrews' report on human rights issues referencing the Thai-Cambodian border, which contains inaccurate information, Mr. Sihasak said that Thailand has submitted counterarguments to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The next step is for the report to be considered by the UNHRC, which will hold discussions. Thailand plans to use this forum to clarify its position, including concerns and issues raised.
When asked whether this report would disadvantage Thailand internationally, Mr. Sihasak responded that it would not. He said that most of these reports are known to include diverse opinions. Regarding Thailand's information, he is confident that many countries will acknowledge that Thailand's actions remain within appropriate bounds.