Bangkok: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied rumors regarding an agreement to use the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to settle maritime disputes. The Ministry emphasized that no such agreement has been concluded.

According to Thai News Agency, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement refuting reports from Cambodia. The statement confirmed that Thailand had only acknowledged Cambodia's intention to employ the mandatory compromise process under the UNCLOS framework. It explicitly denied any agreement or endorsement and suggested that both countries should engage in constructive discussions through existing mechanisms.

A report published in Cambodia on May 9, 2026, claimed that Thailand had agreed to enter into compulsory conciliation under the UNCLOS to resolve overlapping maritime claims between Thailand and Cambodia.

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently issued a statement clarifying two important points to prevent misunderstandings. Firstly, Thailand acknowledges Cambodia's notification of its intention to enter into such a process, but this acknowledgment does not represent agreement or approval from Thailand. Secondly, Thailand believes that both sides should meet, discuss, and utilize all available mechanisms without rushing to conclusions about the possibility of reaching a constructive resolution between the two countries.

This clarification comes amidst the Thai government's recent decision to revoke the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding and its consideration of a new framework for negotiating maritime interests. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Thailand remains committed to safeguarding national sovereignty and interests at every stage of the negotiations.