Cambodia is pressing to develop major energy resources it says are located in the Gulf of Thailand, as a global fuel crisis increases pressure to secure supplies. The government points to an area of about 27,000 square kilometres that both Cambodia and Thailand claim, estimating it holds roughly 11 trillion cubic feet of natural gas along with significant oil reserves. Cambodia’s energy minister says the heightened urgency comes after an “oil shock” linked to conflict in the Middle East, which worsens fuel-related pressures and raises the importance of resolving existing obstacles to development. At the centre of the issue is a long-running maritime dispute with Thailand over claims in the gulf. Cambodia has framed its US$300 billion energy-resource figure as potential value from the area, tying further progress on energy extraction to resolving or easing the dispute with Thailand. The reports agree that the dispute and the prospect of resources in the contested zone remain key factors in Cambodia’s push, and that global fuel conditions are strengthening the government’s call for action.