On August 11, 2026, at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow provided an update on the ongoing selection of the UNCLOS conciliation president and Thailand’s formal response to human rights reports concerning the border. According to Sihasak, the selection of a conciliation president under the compulsory conciliation provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is scheduled for August 14, 2026.
The upcoming decision follows a screening process where a list of approximately 10 qualified candidates was submitted to both Thailand and Cambodia. Thailand reviewed six candidates from that pool and returned its selections. The final president will be chosen directly from the lists submitted by both governments. Following the August 14 selection, the conciliation commission is scheduled to hold its first meeting in September 2026.
UNCLOS Conciliation President Selection and Meeting Venues
According to Sihasak, the list of candidates provided by the United Nations encompasses individuals from European, Asian, and Latin American countries, chosen strictly according to their qualifications. Once the single president is selected on August 14, the commission will convene for its inaugural session in September.
Designated meeting locations for the commission include the offices of the Law of the Sea. European venues under consideration include The Hague in the Netherlands and Paris in France, while Asian sessions may take place in Singapore and Vietnam.
Did You Know? The upcoming UNCLOS conciliation process involves a candidate pool initially containing approximately 10 qualified individuals, from which Thailand reviewed and submitted six names back to the United Nations.
Response to UNHRC and Human Rights Reports on the Border
Addressing questions regarding human rights reports that reference the Thai-Cambodian border, Sihasak confirmed that Thailand has submitted formal objections to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The reports, authored by Tom Andrews, contained data that Sihasak stated did not align with reality.
The next procedural step involves the UNHRC reviewing the report and opening the floor for discussion. Sihasak emphasized that Thailand will use this international platform to present its perspective, address concerns, and voice its official stance.
International Standing and Outlook
When asked whether these external reports could place Thailand at a disadvantage in global diplomacy, Sihasak maintained that the country faces no disadvantage. He noted that international bodies recognize the presence of diverse opinions on such matters, and expressed confidence that various nations will acknowledge that Thailand’s operational practices remain within appropriate boundaries.
As the August 14 selection date approaches, the foreign ministry prepares for the subsequent September meetings of the conciliation commission, while keeping watch on how the UNHRC handles the disputed border reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the UNCLOS conciliation president be selected?
The selection is scheduled to take place on August 14, 2026.
Where might the upcoming conciliation commission meetings be held?
Meetings could take place at maritime law office locations in Europe, such as The Hague in the Netherlands and Paris in France, or in Asia, including Singapore and Vietnam.
How is Thailand addressing the border reports filed by Tom Andrews?
Thailand has submitted formal objections to the OHCHR and UNHRC and plans to utilize upcoming UNHRC discussions to clarify its position and address concerns.