Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced they would seek to develop the area known to have significant energy reserves, while also progressing with maritime border negotiations.

The announcement came in Bangkok, where the two countries are focusing on enhancing energy security through cooperative exploration, despite the territory dispute. The Gulf of Thailand's region in question is believed to hold 11 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and substantial oil reserves.

The talks may impact Southeast Asia, where many countries have conflicting maritime claims. Thailand had previously suggested separating energy collaboration from the sovereignty dispute with Cambodia.

The two leaders signed five agreements, including one targeting increased trade and investment, while envisioning future special economic zones along their borders to boost key industries.

They pledged to foster peaceful and unified regional relations, as well as assert no tolerance for using their countries to disrupt neighboring nations.

Notably, Cambodia's human rights record remains a concern, as recent arrests of Cambodian activists in Thailand demonstrate the ongoing political tensions.

Hun Manet—son of the long-serving Cambodian leader Hun Sen—took office recently and has been actively seeking foreign investment, though his government's human rights practices have faced international scrutiny.