From 14–16 September 2026, the Thai delegation, led by H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, in his capacity as Agent, and Ambassador Songchai Chaipatiyut, in his capacity as Deputy Agent, together with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies, namely the Hydrographic Department and the Naval Operations Department, Royal Thai Navy, as well as the Department of Mineral Fuels, Ministry of Energy, participated in the first meeting with the Conciliation Commission in the conciliation proceedings between Thailand and Cambodia under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in Singapore.

At the meeting on 14 September 2026, the two parties adopted two key documents: (1) the Terms of Appointment (TOA), which establish the framework for the Commission’s work, proceedings and functions, with the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) designated as the Registry; and (2) the Rules of Procedure (ROP), which set out the rules and framework governing the conduct of the Commission's proceedings, including arrangements and guidelines for subsequent meetings. On 15–16 September 2026, the two parties participated in the joint session, with live broadcast for the opening statements of both parties, which set out their respective positions in the conciliation proceedings. Subsequently, the Commission convened separate meetings with each party to engage in substantive and in-depth discussions, providing each party with an opportunity to present the relevant facts and views in a candid manner.

In his opening statement, the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to participating in the conciliation proceedings in good faith and with a view to achieving an equitable solution to the maritime boundary delimitation, in accordance with international law and with full respect for Thailand’s sovereignty and maritime rights. He also highlighted the developments of the issue and reaffirmed Thailand’s position that discussions in the bilateral mechanisms remain the most appropriate and effective means of building mutual trust and confidence and achieving a sustainable solution. As a State Party to UNCLOS, Thailand stands ready to cooperate with the Conciliation Commission towards an equitable and lasting solution for both sides.

The next meeting with the Conciliation Commission is tentatively scheduled for October 2026. It is expected that the conciliation process will take around 12 months, after which the Commission will issue its report, including its conclusions or recommendations, which is non-legally binding upon which the two parties may use as a basis for further discussions to reach a sustainable resolution as appropriate.