Cambodia: Cambodia has expressed its interest in resolving longstanding overlapping maritime claims with Thailand through peaceful means in order to unlock significant offshore energy resources, according to Minister of Mines and Energy H.E. Keo Rottanak.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Keo Rottanak, in a recent exclusive interview with CNBC, stated that the two countries have a shared interest in developing the so-called Overlapping Claims Area (OCA). He noted that this area could generate substantial economic benefits, including an estimated US$300 billion in shared resources. Such cooperation, he highlighted, would not only benefit Cambodia and Thailand but could also contribute to broader regional energy security during global energy uncertainty.
Cambodia, he reiterated, remains firmly committed to peaceful dialogue and adherence to international law in resolving the issue. The Minister recalled that both Cambodia and Thailand are parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which provides legal mechanisms to address maritime disputes.
H.E. Keo Rottanak mentioned a 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries, offering a framework for joint development of petroleum resources in the OCA while maritime delimitation negotiations are pursued. Unfortunately, Thailand later withdrew from the agreement, which was intended to guide cooperation in the disputed area.
Despite this setback, Cambodia continues to advocate for dialogue and peaceful settlement under international law. The Minister added that Cambodia is considering the use of compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS as a possible mechanism to help resolve the maritime boundary dispute in a fair and peaceful manner. He emphasized that resolving the issue would allow both countries to jointly develop and share offshore resources for mutual benefit, contributing to ASEAN's broader energy needs.