Cambodia is gearing up for the next phase of compulsory mediation over maritime issues. In a recent meeting, Thailand took a tough stance, mixing maritime and land boundary issues and accusing Cambodia of playing the victim.
Following the meeting from September 14 to 16, Cambodia's Foreign Ministry stated, "The committee will continue to have our full support."
The issue arose after Cambodia initiated action when Thailand withdrew from a 2001 maritime memorandum of understanding. The mediation committee consists of five members, chaired by Australia's Katrina Cooper, with representatives from Denmark, France, South Africa, and Germany.
Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn expressed Cambodia's desire to reach a maritime boundary agreement with Thailand or to jointly develop resources before a final agreement.
If neither option works, Cambodia plans to ask the committee to prepare recommendations to lay the groundwork for future negotiations.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak said they are participating in the mediation "in good faith," but his lengthy remarks accusing Cambodia of playing the victim drew media attention.
A Thai journalist noted that Sihasak's aggressive comments could harm Thai-Cambodian relations, with everyone paying the price.
According to a press release from the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the committee and both parties will continue discussions, with a meeting expected in The Hague in the coming months.
