Lately at the corner coffee stalls, people have been chatting here and there about the maritime border situation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Phnom Penh has made its stance quite clear: turning to the compulsory conciliation procedure under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea regarding the overlapping maritime boundary with Thailand isn't about escalating tensions or picking a fight. Rather, it is aimed at rebuilding trust.
Local media reports point out that this approach is mainly meant to get both sides sitting down to talk things through and clear the air. Coastal folks who make a living by fishing or running businesses have it tough enough as it is, and nobody wants to live in constant anxiety over unclear boundaries. Finding a way back to confidence through calm, level-headed negotiation is what matters most to ordinary people on both sides.
Out in the Phnom Penh night, motorbikes buzz past one after another while people on the streets focus on making a living. When nations big and small deal with one another, what everyone wants at the end of the day is just peace of mind. With less saber-rattling and more down-to-earth communication, life can feel a whole lot more secure.
