Explainer-Cambodia turns to obscure UN process to resolve maritime dispute with Thailand

Cambodia has launched a rare UN "compulsory conciliation" under UNCLOS to try to settle a 25+-year maritime dispute with Thailand over about 26,000 sq km in the Gulf of Thailand, an area estimated to hold roughly $300 billion in oil and gas.
The procedure is little-used — East Timor previously used it successfully with Australia — so the move is notable and could potentially unlock major energy revenues if negotiations succeed.
Cambodia has named its conciliators; Thailand has 21 days to appoint its panel (or the UN may do so), so expect diplomatic activity and headlines in the coming weeks.