General
Thailand and Cambodia to Select UNCLOS Conciliation Commission Chair
Thailand and Cambodia are set to appoint a chairperson for the UNCLOS compulsory conciliation commission on August 14, with the first meeting scheduled for September.
On August 11, 2026, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow announced that Thailand and Cambodia will select a chairperson for the compulsory conciliation commission under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on August 14. According to Khaosod Online, the selection process involves a shortlist of approximately 10 candidates from Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Both nations have reviewed the list and submitted their preferences to facilitate the appointment.
The commission is expected to hold its inaugural meeting in September. While the specific venue remains to be confirmed, potential locations include international maritime law hubs such as The Hague in the Netherlands.
For residents and travellers, this development marks a procedural step in the ongoing diplomatic dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia regarding maritime boundaries. While this process is a formal legal mechanism, it does not currently impact travel regulations, border crossings, or the daily lives of those in the region. Observers are now waiting for the official announcement of the chairperson on August 14 and further details regarding the September meeting schedule. The situation remains a matter of international legal procedure rather than an immediate change in regional policy.