Thailand prepares for Hague maritime talks as Sihasak promotes economic diplomacy
Thailand is preparing for a second round of UNCLOS conciliation with Cambodia as Sihasak Phuangketkeow uses the IMF-World Bank meetings to promote economic diplomacy.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow says Thailand is ready for a second round of conciliation proceedings with Cambodia over their maritime boundary, while using the IMF-World Bank meetings in Bangkok to promote Thailand’s economic potential and expand international business ties.
Speaking at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center on Monday (October 12), Sihasak said members of the Thai delegation had begun travelling to The Hague in the Netherlands ahead of the second meeting with the Conciliation Commission under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The Foreign Ministry and Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) confirm that the meeting is scheduled for October 14–18, following the first round in Singapore in September.
Hague talks to focus on technical and legal issues
Sihasak said the forthcoming meeting would focus mainly on technical and legal matters, allowing the two sides to present information, legal arguments and approaches relevant to maritime delimitation.
He stressed that the meeting would involve exchanges of information and technical explanations rather than a final decision.
Thailand would continue to defend its position and national interests while participating in the process in accordance with international law, he said.
Official Foreign Ministry information describes the process as seeking an equitable resolution to maritime delimitation between Thailand and Cambodia.
Sihasak said there was no rigid timetable for reaching an outcome. Such proceedings could take around a year, although an understanding could emerge sooner if discussions progressed smoothly.
The first meeting was held in Singapore from September 14–16, when the two sides established procedural arrangements and presented their respective positions to the commission.
IMF-World Bank meetings offer economic opportunity
Sihasak also highlighted the economic opportunities arising from Thailand’s hosting of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group in Bangkok.
The meetings, running from October 12–18, bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, international investors, financial institutions and representatives from government, business and civil society.
He described the gathering as an opportunity for Thailand to demonstrate its economic capabilities and development approach to an international audience.
Thailand is presenting development principles rooted in the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, Rama IX, alongside the government’s short- and long-term economic policies.
Sihasak said hosting the event also allowed international visitors to experience Thailand beyond the formal meetings, potentially encouraging further travel, investment and business engagement.
Informal meetings can build business networks
The presence of senior economic policymakers from around the world also provides opportunities for bilateral and informal discussions outside the main programme, Sihasak said.
Meetings with finance ministers, central bank governors, investors and senior international officials could help Thailand build networks and develop future business and investment opportunities.
The approach forms part of the government’s wider push for economic diplomacy, using Thailand’s international relationships to support trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Sihasak has also stressed during events surrounding the meetings that Thailand intends to strengthen competitiveness and resilience through economic reform and deeper regional cooperation.
US Treasury Secretary misses Bangkok meetings
Asked about the absence of the US Treasury secretary, Sihasak said it reflected domestic commitments in the United States rather than a lack of interest in the Bangkok meetings.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is not attending the annual meetings because of domestic engagements, with senior Treasury officials representing the United States instead.
Sihasak said the Bangkok gathering nevertheless continued to attract strong international participation, giving Thailand an important platform to present its economic direction and strengthen connections with policymakers and investors from around the world.
