Cambodia and Thailand are trying to rebuild trust after months of hostility, starting with a push to restore diplomatic ties and set up a Joint Communication Center (JIC) to handle contact between the two sides. Diplomatic relations have not yet returned to normal, even though the militaries have been working to build confidence and avoid the use of force along the border.

The Conciliation Commission issued a statement on October 19 after meeting in The Hague from October 14 to 18. It urged both parties to create a climate of mutual trust, keep the disputed maritime area in its existing state, expand diplomatic contact, and use existing communication channels to respond quickly to any incidents at sea.

Both countries also pledged to issue statements that are positive and supportive of the reconciliation process, in line with the press release from the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). The Commission asked both sides to be careful about false and misleading information that could undermine the process, including content shared through official channels, personal accounts, local media and social networks.

On the evening of Tuesday, October 20, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn told Cambodia's national television that the second meeting of the Commission showed the need to restore diplomatic relations. He said strong diplomatic ties would help prevent misunderstandings in the future and resolve bilateral disputes without resorting to force.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said he also wants to restore contact, starting at the level of consulates, before moving to fully fledged embassies with ambassadors. However, in comments to the Khaosod newspaper, published on Wednesday, October 21, he said Prak Sokhonn had misinterpreted the substance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He also accused the Cambodian side of selectively presenting the outcome to shape public opinion.

Sihasak said the talks under the law of the sea concerned only maritime boundaries. They did not cover the land border dispute or the issue of Cambodians who have been displaced from their homes. He also sent a letter to the Commission voicing concern that Cambodia had issued its own statement before the Commission released its description of the meeting. According to Thailand, both sides had agreed that the Commission would speak first. Thailand argued that Cambodia's move picked out only the points it wanted public to see, which went against the understanding reached in the talks.

Bangkok said this approach would not help efforts to rebuild bilateral trust. Instead, it would add new disputes on top of old ones.