Cambodia and Thailand will face off before international mediators in Singapore this week in a long-standing dispute over valuable maritime resources, marking the latest conflict between the neighboring countries. Phnom Penh initiated a UN-backed conciliation process at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) after Bangkok withdrew from an agreement to work towards joint offshore energy exploitation in the Gulf of Thailand.
Background of the Dispute
The dispute centers around a 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU 44) that covers a vast and resource-rich territory of approximately 27,000 square kilometers, to which both nations lay claim. Thailand unilaterally withdrew from the framework agreement in May, stating that no progress had been made in implementing it. Cambodia, in response, resorted to the conciliation process, asserting that Thailand had terminated the bilateral framework through which they had negotiated their overlapping maritime claims for over two decades.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized the move was to protect Cambodia's sovereignty and maritime rights in accordance with international law. Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul denied the withdrawal was linked to the simmering border conflict, which led to clashes last year resulting in dozens of deaths and the displacement of over a million people before a truce was agreed upon.
The Conciliation Process
The two countries' representatives will give their opening statements on Tuesday before a five-member conciliation panel of international law experts at the PCA's offices in Singapore. Cambodia's Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn is expected to open the floor, followed by his Thai counterpart Sihasak Phuangketkeow.
The PCA, established in 1899, is the world's oldest intergovernmental dispute-resolution body. It resolves disputes between countries and private parties through contracts, special agreements, and various treaties, such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The PCA office in Singapore is the Hague-based court's first in Asia.
The commission's recommendations are not binding and will take about a year to be decided. Both Cambodia and Thailand have welcomed the opportunity to present their cases. Cambodia's foreign ministry stated the meeting marks another important milestone in the peaceful process to resolve the countries' maritime differences. Phnom Penh hopes the process can help reach a fair and lasting resolution and open a pathway to explore significant oil and gas resources.
Thailand's energy ministry has estimated future revenues from oil and natural gas in the overlapping claims area to be worth around $300 billion. The Thai foreign ministry said it is ready to cooperate fully with and support the work of the Conciliation Commission while remaining committed to safeguarding its national interests.
