BANGKOK, Thailand – The government has rejected Cambodian media reports claiming that Thailand agreed to enter a compulsory conciliation process under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) concerning overlapping maritime claims.
Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek said Thailand had only acknowledged Cambodia’s notification expressing its intention to pursue the process and had not agreed to or approved any related proceedings. She added that Thailand continues to support dialogue through existing bilateral mechanisms and believes discussions should continue through peaceful channels.
Rachada also addressed reports regarding a possible reopening of Thailand-Cambodia border crossings following discussions during the recent ASEAN Summit involving Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. She said the talks did not involve negotiations on border demarcation or reopening border checkpoints, with both sides only agreeing to continue discussions at the operational level to improve mutual understanding.
According to Rachada, all actions would continue to be handled carefully, in line with Thailand’s national interests, sovereignty, and public welfare. Thailand would continue pursuing constructive discussions while protecting the country’s interests throughout any related process. (NNT)
