16 September 2026
Thailand and Cambodia have begun UNCLOS mediation over their maritime boundary dispute in the Gulf of Thailand, with the first meeting held in Singapore on 14â16 September 2026.
On 15 September, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, acting as Thailandâs Agent, said Thailand would participate in good faith, based on international law and protection of its rights and interests.
ðđð Koh Kood Outside the Mediation
Thailand reaffirmed that the process concerns maritime boundary delimitation only.
It maintained that land sovereignty, including Koh Kood, is outside the scope of the mediation, consistent with Thailandâs position under the Royal Proclamation of 18 May 1973.
â 2001 MOU Still Unresolved
Thailand said formal negotiations under the 2001 MOU have taken place only twice over the past 25 years, with no substantive resolution.
Thailand therefore supports exploring a new negotiating approach, while Cambodia holds a different view on the basis of the process.
âģ No Final Decision Yet
The Singapore meeting marks the start of mediation, not a ruling.
The process is expected to take about 12 months, after which the commission will issue a report with conclusions or recommendations. The outcome will not be legally binding.
Current status: Mediation is ongoing. No final maritime boundary agreement has been reached.
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