On April 26, 2011, the 6th Joint Session of the Parliament approved Thailand’s becoming State party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982 and the Agreement relating to the implementation of part XI of the Convention by making a declaration under Article 310 of the Convention. Article 310 is the mechanism provided for by the Convention allowing Thailand to gradually review its laws and regulations and harmonize with the provisions of the Convention as well as to state Thailand’s position in order to protect and preserve national interests. In addition, Thailand also made a declaration according to Article 298, declaring that Thailand does not accept compulsory dispute settlement procedures entailing binding decisions with respect to certain categories of disputes, especially those concerning maritime boundary disputes. In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has deposited the instruments of ratification and accession of the said Convention and Agreement on 15 May 2011. The Convention will enter into force for Thailand on 14 June 2011 in accordance with its article 308 (2).
Since Thailand signed the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 on December 10, 1982, being a State party to the Convention and Agreement relating to the implementation of part XI of the Convention is a very important milestone for Thailand. It is a significant step allowing Thailand to participate in this important instrument, which is recognized as the “Constitution for the Seas” laying down all basic principles of international law of the sea and regulating various maritime activities. The Convention provides for the powers, duties and rights of all States (coastal States, maritime States) in each maritime zone — internal waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone, continental shelf and high seas, including different regimes of passage of ships therein. Moreover, the Convention also confers rights and duties to States with regard to the exploitation of natural resources, protection of the marine environment. Henceforth, by adhering to this important instrument, Thailand will be able to effectively preserve and protect its rights and interests in maritime sphere as well as strengthen Thailand's role and image in regional and multilateral arena.
In addition, in line with Thailand’s declaration made according to article 310 of the Convention, the Committee on the Law of the Sea and maritime boundaries of Thailand, functioning under the purview of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is tasked by a Cabinet Resolution dated 21 December 2010 to monitor, coordinate and provide assistance, if needed, to relevant public agencies in their efforts to amend and develop laws and regulations in order to comply with UNCLOS, in a comprehensive manner.
With regards to the promotion of capacity-building, hosted by the Department of Treaty and Legal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a seminar entitled “Declarations, Settlement of Disputes and Enforcement of decisions under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982”. The seminar, held during 11 — 12 May 2011, aimed to disseminate knowledge concerning UNCLOS to practitioners from relevant public agencies. Experts on the law of the sea from Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), United Nations attended the event during 11 - 12 May 2011.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th