BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand has reaffirmed its readiness to participate in compulsory conciliation proceedings with Cambodia under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), while maintaining that bilateral negotiations remain its preferred approach to resolving issues between the two countries. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow is traveling to Singapore on September 14 for the proceedings after attending the 18th BRICS Summit in India.
Sihasak expressed confidence in Thailand’s position, which the government maintains is grounded in international law. Thailand favors direct negotiations and believes other mechanisms should be considered if bilateral talks fail to reach a resolution and both countries agree on an alternative process.
Regarding Koh Kood, Sihasak reaffirmed Thailand’s position that the island is Thai territory and that its sovereignty is neither in question nor subject to negotiation or compulsory conciliation. Thailand bases its sovereignty over the island on a convention dating to the period when Cambodia was under French colonial rule and will not include the issue in the proceedings.
Thailand remains open to dialogue and legal processes conducted under international law while maintaining its position on sovereignty. The Thai government also made clear that direct communication, confidence-building, and mutually acceptable agreements between the two neighboring countries are the preferred path toward resolving outstanding issues. (NNT)
