Cambodia rejects spy allegations, citing tattoo ban on soldiers

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry spokesperson has rejected Thai news reports that accused a Cambodian national, arrested in Thailand’s Buriram province, of being a Cambodian soldier working as a spy to gather intelligence on Thai soil.

Lt Gen Maly Sucheata stated in a press briefing on Wednesday that a Cambodian soldier cannot have tattoos like the man in question.

“Cambodia’s Defence Ministry and the Cambodian Armed Forces strictly prohibit soldiers with tattoos — like the man shown in photos shared by Thai authorities — from serving in any capacity,” she said.

The Thai media reports were baseless fabrications, lacking evidence, and contrary to the truth. “These reports lack evidence, are not the result of a proper investigation, and were clearly fabricated with ill intent to smear Cambodia by certain Thai media outlets,” she said.

Commenting on the allegations that further accused the man of serving in a special bodyguard unit for former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, the Bodyguard Headquarters (BHQ), Maly completely rejected the claims as groundless and fictional.

Thai media’s baseless accusations show a lack of professionalism and a deliberate attempt to discredit Cambodia,” she added.

Thai police in Krasang district arrested a 36-year-old Cambodian man identified only as Vin on the night of August 5, at a house belonging to his Thai wife.

Found in his possession were a homemade handgun, a Cambodian military uniform, a tactical vest, and a cap bearing the BHQ insignia. He was taken for questioning at the local police station.

During interrogation, the suspect claimed he had previously served in the BHQ unit but left the service years ago.

He said he had been living in Thailand for about a year with his Thai wife in Krasang and was not a spy.

The authorities became suspicious after discovering that he had used four different names in various documents — including military records, a passport, a national ID card, and a work permit — all of which were inconsistent.

He also admitted to entering Thailand illegally via Sa Kaeo province, paying 4,000 baht to a Cambodian broker. He said he arrived in mid-July 2025.

Despite his claims, Thai security officials and police remain unconvinced. They suspect that he may be a spy gathering intelligence on Thai military and security operations to relay back to Cambodia.

A search of his mobile phone uncovered photos of him in military uniform holding a combat weapon. Thai authorities are now conducting a forensic examination of the device to determine whether any classified information was transmitted that could threaten national security.

Initially, the suspect has been charged with illegal possession of a firearm and illegal entry into Thailand. If further evidence is found linking him to espionage or actions that threaten national security, he could face additional charges under Sections 112 and 113 of the Thai Penal Code, which carry severe penalties.