Cambodia urges UN to help resolve lingering border and maritime dispute with Thailand

At the UN General Assembly, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn highlighted that ongoing tensions with Thailand have eroded confidence between the countries. He urged both sides to honour prior agreements and to immediately resume the Joint Border Commission’s survey and demarcation work. The minister noted that more than 20,000 Cambodian civilians are still unable to return home due to the dispute.

Regarding the maritime issue, he said Cambodia has initiated compulsory conciliation under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea after Thailand terminated the 2001 memorandum governing the sea boundary. Prak emphasized that all states, regardless of size, are equal under the UN Charter and that peaceful, law-based solutions are essential.