PHNOM PENH: Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to allow additional time for the appointment of the Chairperson of the Conciliation Commission established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to address the two countries' maritime differences, according to a statement released by Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC).

In a statement issued on 19 July 2026, the Ministry's spokesperson said the decision came in response to media inquiries regarding the selection of the Commission's Chairperson. According to the statement, the four independent Conciliators have requested additional time to carefully consider who should be appointed as Chairperson of the Conciliation Commission. "Cambodia and Thailand have both agreed to this course," the spokesperson stated.

The Ministry emphasized that the extension requested by the Conciliators is modest and entirely appropriate, considering the importance of the appointment and the significance of the conciliation proceedings.

It also stressed that the additional time will not affect any prescribed timeline or procedural step under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). "The additional time requested by the Conciliators to consider the Chairperson's appointment is modest and entirely appropriate given the significance of the appointment and the proceedings as a whole," the statement said.

The spokesperson described the request as a reflection of the rigorous and careful process being undertaken by the independent Conciliators and expressed Cambodia's appreciation for their diligence. "We extend our thanks for their diligence, and express our continued confidence in the process," the statement added.

Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to resolving its maritime differences with Thailand through peaceful means and in accordance with international law. "Cambodia looks forward to advancing this peaceful route to resolving our maritime differences with Thailand based on international law," the statement concluded.

The Conciliation Commission is being established under the framework of UNCLOS, reflecting both countries' commitment to pursuing a rules-based and peaceful mechanism for addressing maritime issues through dialogue and international legal procedures.