Story perspectives

Thailand and Cambodia launch UNCLOS case over 26,000 sq km dispute

By Drooid · Sep 15, 2026, 2:48 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Thailand Cancels MoU

Thailand unilaterally cancelled the 2001 MoU 44 on May 5 2026, prompting Cambodia’s June 2 conciliation request.
Thailand and Cambodia launched a compulsory UNCLOS conciliation in Singapore to resolve overlapping maritime claims.
Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn said the talks should aim for a single maritime boundary or joint development treaty.
The disputed area spans about 26,000 sq km and may contain 339.8 billion m³ of gas and oil worth US$300 billion.

Summary

Cambodia Accuses Thailand

Cambodia lodged a formal complaint with the OPCW on Sept 11 alleging Thai chemical weapons use.
The Mine Action Centre said 395 civilians and security personnel were exposed to the alleged agents.
Director-general Heng Ratana reported chemical evidence in a market, several villages and farmland.
Cambodia claims the substances were delivered by aircraft, drones and 155 mm and 120 mm artillery shells.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow denied the allegations, calling them unfounded.

History

Historical Context

The 1962 ICJ ruling that awarded the Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia and rejected Thailand's claim sparked recurring border clashes, notably the 2008-2011 armed standoff and the 2013 ICJ interpretation confirming Cambodian control of the promontory. A 2001 memorandum of understanding for joint development of the disputed maritime zone remains stalled, and renewed fighting in July 2025 displaced over 270,000 people, prompting ASEAN mediation today.

1 of 3

Thailand Cancels MoU

Thailand unilaterally cancelled the 2001 MoU 44 on May 5 2026, prompting Cambodia’s June 2 conciliation request.
Thailand and Cambodia launched a compulsory UNCLOS conciliation in Singapore to resolve overlapping maritime claims.
Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn said the talks should aim for a single maritime boundary or joint development treaty.
The disputed area spans about 26,000 sq km and may contain 339.8 billion m³ of gas and oil worth US$300 billion.

1 / 3