Arrested Cambodian military officer under suspicion of espionage in Chanthaburi, Thailand
A Cambodian army lieutenant named Oeun Khoem, aged 43 and holding the rank of Lieutenant, was arrested in Chanthaburi province, Thailand on Tuesday, 15 March 2022.
The Chanthaburi Marine Taskforce and immigration officers, along with Chanthaburi police, were involved in the arrest. The arrest occurred at a house in Moo 1 village, Tambon Tapsai, Pong Nam Ron district.
According to reports, Khoem entered Thailand on 12 March. Suspicion arose after he posted provocative content on Facebook suggesting hostility between Thailand and Cambodia.
During the arrest, digital evidence and Cambodian military uniforms were found. Investigations are ongoing, with digital forensic experts analyzing his mobile phone. During questioning, he confessed to gathering sensitive information on Thai military movements to report back to the Cambodian military for potential future conflicts.
This arrest is not an isolated incident. Recently, there have been reports of Cambodian nationals suspected of espionage in Thailand near the border regions. One such case involved a Cambodian linked to the Bodyguard Headquarters of Cambodia’s Senate president and suspected of spying in Buri Ram province.
Thai authorities are actively monitoring and detaining suspected spies, amid heightened vigilance due to regional sensitivities. The Royal Thai Army recently received an apology from a Cambodian army officer for a separate incident involving a Cambodian soldier disrupting an ASEAN observation visit, underscoring ongoing delicate diplomatic and military interactions between the two countries.
Khoem remains in custody as the investigation continues. His visa is valid until 11 March 2027.
- The arrest of Oeun Khoem, a Cambodian army lieutenant, has raised concerns about espionage activities, as he was found gathering sensitive information on Thai military movements to report back to the Cambodian military, leading to potential future conflicts.
- While this is not the first incident of suspected espionage by Cambodian nationals in Thailand, it highlights the increased focus on politics and general-news, including crime-and-justice matters, due to regional sensitivities between the two countries.
