Cambodia ‘playing the victim’, Thailand tells global mediators

Thailand has branded Cambodia as "playing the victim" in their dispute over maritime resources, as the two Southeast Asian nations brought their longstanding feud before international mediators at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in Singapore. The hearing comes amidst two rounds of deadly border clashes last year. Thailand unilaterally withdrew from a framework agreement aimed at resolving overlapping maritime border claims in May, but denied any connection with the land dispute.

Cambodia initiated a UN-backed conciliation process at the PCA, hoping to return to constructive negotiations. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow accused Cambodia of vilifying Thailand through false narratives, distortion of facts, and unfounded accusations, alleging they do so by playing the victim with a sense of self-righteousness.

Thailand, however, denies the accusation, stating it withdrew from the framework agreement due to lack of progress in implementing it. The 2001 memorandum of understanding covers a resource-rich maritime territory of around 27,000 square kilometers, to which both countries lay claim. Cambodia initiated conciliation after Thailand unilaterally terminated the bilateral framework, citing the need to protect sovereignty and maritime rights in accordance with international law.

Cambodia's goal is to reach a single maritime boundary or a joint development and equitable sharing of resources until a boundary is drawn. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand denied the move was linked to the fighting, stating Thailand also seeks maritime delimitation and to rebuild trust.