While the world commemorates the International Day of the Seafarer on 25 June 2026, Cambodia reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the safety and well-being of Cambodian seafarers, as well as all seafarers lawfully navigating Cambodian waters.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Cambodia’s seafarers, fishermen, and coastguard personnel for their vital contributions, often carried out under immense pressure and in challenging conditions.
Cambodia remains firmly committed to upholding the international maritime legal order, including its active engagement with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
In this spirit, Cambodia initiated compulsory conciliation proceedings under UNCLOS to resolve the overlapping maritime claims with Thailand through peaceful and lawful means. This step was taken to safeguard Cambodia’s national sovereignty and maritime rights following Thailand’s unilateral withdrawal from a 25-year-old bilateral Memorandum of Understanding. Cambodia remains confident that the compulsory conciliation process will pave the way for a peaceful, fair and lasting resolution in the shared interests of both countries and the wider region, while strengthening maritime safety, security, and stability for all seafarers, particularly Cambodian and Thai seafarers navigating these waters.