BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand has sent two arbitrators in a last-minute bid, while Cambodia forces a UN arbitration on a multi-billion dollar resource dispute in the Gulf of Thailand.
The dispute concerns natural gas, oil, and a maritime area both countries claim. Cambodia’s move follows Bangkok’s unilateral termination of a nearly 25-year-old agreement, bringing the troubled relationship before an international body.
Thailand sends two heavyweights into the ring
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow announced the names on Tuesday. Thailand will be represented by German jurist Rüdiger Wolfrum and South African maritime law expert Albert Hoffman. The duo will represent Bangkok’s interests in the mandatory arbitration process under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which Cambodia initiated earlier this month.
Cambodia has already assembled its team
Cambodia acted sooner. Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn was named as their direct representative in the proceedings. He is supported by Denmark’s Peter Taksøe-Jensen and French academic Jean-Marc Thouvenin. With both sides having revealed their teams, the race to interpret the ownership of one of Southeast Asia’s most volatile maritime areas is now concrete.
30 days until crucial decision
Time is of the essence. The arbitrators must convene within 30 days to elect a chairman. Only then can the substantive work begin. The disputed border areas will remain closed until a decision is reached, with no quick de-escalation in sight.
What it’s really about: Gas, oil, and billions
The bone of contention is a maritime area spanning 26,000 square kilometers. The so-called Overlapping Claims Area in the Gulf of Thailand is estimated to hold a treasure of about 12 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Additionally, significant amounts of oil are present. The total value of these resources is estimated at around 300 billion US dollars, making it understandable why neither side is willing to concede.
A bloody history burdens negotiations
The relationship between the neighbors is strained. Two rounds of severe border clashes last year alone claimed the lives of nearly 150 people. Over 300,000 individuals were displaced on both sides. A ceasefire from December remains in effect. However, the forced arbitration proceedings demonstrate that peace remains fragile and mistrust prevails.
Outlook on the arbitration proceedings
The arbitrators are required to meet within 30 days to elect a presiding officer before the proceedings can commence. The contested maritime zones will stay closed until a definitive ruling, hindering immediate tension relief.