CHANTHABURI — Thai security forces have detained a Cambodian national suspected of espionage near the eastern border, raising concerns about intelligence operations amid ongoing military tensions between the two nations.

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Suspect Identified as Military Officer

Oeun Khoem, 43, was taken into custody Tuesday by the Marine Task Force in Chanthaburi and questioned at Pong Nam Ron police station. Immigration and provincial police also participated in the interrogation.

Though Khoem held a valid Non-Immigrant L-A visa and had legally entered Thailand in March, authorities became suspicious after uncovering evidence linking him to Cambodian military intelligence. A search of his residence and vehicle revealed a Cambodian military uniform, while his Facebook post—“THAILAND ATTACKS FIRST, CAMBODIA DEFENDS”—further raised red flags.

During questioning, Khoem reportedly admitted to being a second lieutenant in Cambodia’s intelligence unit. Investigators allege he was gathering information on Thai military movements along the Chanthaburi-Trat border and relaying it to Cambodian forces.

A Cambodian“spy” has been arrested with evidence showing he's an army lieutenant from Cambodian intelligence, suspected of spying and reporting on Thai troop movements along the Chanthaburi-Trat border.

On July 29, a report from the military security unit in Chanthaburi-Trat… pic.twitter.com/I8IRaxpiy9

— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) July 29, 2025

Broader Espionage Concerns

The arrest comes as former Bhumjaithai Party MP Traisuree Traisaranakul warned that foreign operatives may be exploiting humanitarian efforts to conduct surveillance. According to Traisuree, individuals posing as aid workers have been observed mapping GPS coordinates and deploying drones in border villages affected by recent clashes.

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Thai authorities are examining Khoem’s mobile phone for additional intelligence, while security has been heightened in vulnerable areas. The case underscores growing distrust between Thailand and Cambodia despite recent ceasefire efforts.

-Thailand News (TN)