Border arrest of suspected Cambodian intelligence operative
Thai Authorities Detain Suspected Cambodian Spy, Oeun Khoem, in Chanthaburi
Thai security forces have detained a Cambodian national named Oeun Khoem in Chanthaburi province, following allegations of espionage. The 43-year-old, who has been living in Thailand for 20 years, was invited for questioning by the Marine Task Force at Pong Nam Ron police station on Tuesday.
Investigations began due to suspicions that Oeun Khoem is a Cambodian military intelligence agent. During the interrogation, he allegedly confessed to being a second lieutenant serving in Cambodia's intelligence unit.
Investigators have confiscated Oeun Khoem's mobile phone for digital forensic examination. A search of his Mazda pickup truck and his registered address revealed a Cambodian military uniform.
However, as of August 2025, there are two distinct cases involving Cambodian espionage suspects related to Thai-Cambodian border tensions. In this case, no evidence has been found linking Oeun Khoem to spying, such as photographing military sites or transmitting sensitive data. As a result, he was cleared of espionage charges.
Meanwhile, a separate confirmed espionage case involving another Cambodian suspect has recently intensified the security situation along the Thai-Cambodian border. This individual reportedly confessed to gathering and transmitting sensitive military information to Cambodia in exchange for daily payments. The arrest followed intelligence work involving local village security forces (Chor Ror Bor) and the Ta Phraya Task Force.
The heightened regional tensions have led to increased vigilance and collaboration among Thai security agencies to counter intelligence threats. The authorities publicly commended local security teams for their role in these arrests, indicating an elevated focus on border protection and security cooperation.
Traisuree Traisaranakul, a former Bhumjaithai Party MP, has warned that foreign spies are posing as donors, bringing supplies to frontline villages near the Thai-Cambodian border under the guise of humanitarian aid, while surveying GPS coordinates and deploying drones.
Oeun Khoem entered Thailand on March 12, holding a Cambodian passport and a Non-Immigrant L-A visa, valid until March 11, 2027. The ongoing investigation into this case continues.
\n\n References:
- Thai authorities clear Cambodian of espionage charges
- Thai-Cambodian border tensions: Another Cambodian spy arrested in Sa Kaeo
- Thai authorities arrest suspected Cambodian spy in Sa Kaeo
- Cambodian man cleared of espionage charges in Thailand
General-news reports have detailed heightened tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border due to fewer espionage cases, with Oeun Khoem's case being the latest. Despite Oeun Khoem's detainment and allegations of being a Cambodian military intelligence agent, investigations found no evidence linking him to spying, clearing him of espionage charges. Meanwhile, crime-and-justice headlines have shown that another Cambodian suspect has been arrested for gathering and transmitting sensitive military information, intensifying the security situation in the area.
