Cambodia, Thailand take US$300 billion seabed dispute to UN

Cambodia and Thailand have taken their $300 billion dispute over underwater land to the United Nations, after months of deadly border clashes left dozens dead. The foreign ministers of both nations presented their opening statements at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Singapore, where the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea will attempt to determine who owns the disputed Gulf of Thailand area.

This is only the second time the conciliation commission has been used in its history, the first instance involving a conflict between East Timor and Australia. Cambodia's foreign minister, Prak Sokhonn, argued that the dispute began over a 2001 Memorandum of Understanding that Thailand later abandoned. He invoked the histories of the Khmer Empire, French colonial rule, civil war, and the Khmer Rouge genocide to paint his country as a reluctant party to the dispute.

Cambodia hopes that the process will help rebuild trust and benefit both nations. In contrast, Thailand's foreign minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, accused Cambodia of "weaponizing diplomacy" and accused them of leaking a private phone call between Thai leaders. He also cited instances of Thai civilian casualties and the use of landmines against Thai soldiers, claiming Cambodia had used these events to portray itself as a victim.

Thailand entered the process in good faith and is ready to engage constructively. Both sides remain committed to finding a negotiated and equitable solution, though the commission's recommendations are non-binding.