Cambodia and Thailand Name International Conciliators for UNCLOS Maritime Dispute Process
Phnom Penh, Cambodia — Cambodia and Thailand have each selected two internationally respected legal experts to serve as conciliators in a formal dispute resolution process under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The move marks a significant step toward addressing long-standing maritime boundary issues and overlapping claims in the Gulf of Thailand through international legal mechanisms rather than confrontation.
The appointment of the conciliators follows Cambodia’s decision to initiate compulsory conciliation proceedings after Thailand withdrew from the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU 2001), which had provided a framework for discussions concerning overlapping maritime claims between the two neighboring countries.
International Experts Chosen by Both Sides
According to reports, Cambodia has selected:
Peter Taksøe-Jensen, a veteran Danish diplomat and former chair of the UNCLOS conciliation commission that successfully helped resolve the maritime boundary dispute between Timor-Leste and Australia.
Professor Jean-Marc Thouvenin, a renowned French international law scholar with extensive experience representing states before international courts and tribunals.
Thailand has reportedly appointed:
Rüdiger Wolfrum, a German legal expert and former president of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).
Albert Hoffmann, a South African jurist and former president of ITLOS with decades of experience in maritime law and international dispute resolution.
Under UNCLOS procedures, the four appointed conciliators will work together to agree on a fifth member who will serve as chairperson of the conciliation commission. The parties have approximately 30 days to reach agreement on that appointment.
Familiar Faces from a Historic UNCLOS Success
One of the most notable aspects of the appointments is that two of the selected conciliators previously played important roles in the landmark Timor-Leste–Australia maritime boundary negotiations.
That 2018 case became the first successful compulsory conciliation process under UNCLOS and resulted in a maritime boundary treaty between the two nations. The agreement was widely praised as a major achievement for peaceful dispute settlement under international law.
Observers note that the experience of these legal experts could prove valuable in guiding discussions between Cambodia and Thailand.
A High-Stakes Maritime Area
The dispute centers on an overlapping claims area in the Gulf of Thailand, often referred to as the Overlapping Claims Area (OCA).
Energy analysts have long suggested that the region may contain substantial offshore oil and natural gas reserves. Some estimates place the potential value of these resources at hundreds of billions of dollars, making the area strategically and economically important for both countries.
While sovereignty and maritime boundaries remain unresolved, both governments have repeatedly expressed support for peaceful negotiations and legal solutions.
Why UNCLOS Matters
UNCLOS is often described as the “constitution of the oceans,” providing a legal framework for maritime boundaries, navigation rights, fisheries, and resource management.
The compulsory conciliation mechanism allows countries to seek a structured and peaceful process when negotiations become difficult. Although conciliators do not issue legally binding judgments like a court, their recommendations can help parties find common ground and move toward a mutually acceptable settlement.
Experts say the process demonstrates how international law can offer alternatives to prolonged political disputes and regional tensions.
Looking Ahead
The next major step will be the appointment of the fifth conciliator, who will chair the commission and oversee the proceedings.
The outcome of the process could have broader implications beyond the maritime dispute itself. Successful dialogue may strengthen regional stability, encourage economic cooperation, and reinforce confidence in international legal institutions.
For Cambodia and Thailand—two ASEAN neighbors with centuries of shared history—the UNCLOS process represents an opportunity to pursue peaceful solutions while protecting their national interests through diplomacy and international law.
0 Comments