Foreign Defense Minister of Thailand speaks on speculations of foreign troops assisting Cambodia during combat encounters
Deputy Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit confirmed during a press conference on July 30 that there is no evidence of Russian language communication in the ongoing investigation regarding the recent border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. The minister's statement comes in response to rumors about images showing a foreign soldier aiding Cambodia.
Initial investigations have revealed that the soldier in question is a Cambodian military personnel, not a foreign national. The soldier is also a volleyball player, which may have contributed to the confusion about his nationality. The investigation regarding the images of the soldier is ongoing.
The border clashes in late July 2025 began with mutual accusations of initiating fire and escalated into intense fighting with casualties and displaced civilians on both sides. Despite deep-rooted historical and nationalist tensions, the dispute appears to be strictly between Thai and Cambodian forces without external troop involvement. International actors such as ASEAN, the United Nations Security Council, and Malaysia brokered ceasefire talks to contain the bilateral conflict but did not report or suggest foreign military personnel participating.
Suchart Bamrungsuk, a security expert, expressed concerns about Cambodia potentially hiring foreign mercenaries, such as from Russia, to assist in the conflict. However, Deputy Defence Minister Nattaphon could not comment on these concerns as he requires concrete evidence. The investigation regarding the claims of Russian mercenaries aiding Cambodia in drone attacks is ongoing.
In a separate development, the soldier in question has been identified as a well-built individual. No new facts about the current status of the border tensions were mentioned in the press conference. The National Defence Council is continuing its efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.
As the investigation continues, the Thai government remains committed to finding the truth and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. The public is reminded to rely only on verified information from reliable sources to avoid spreading misinformation.
- The investigation into claims of foreign military personnel, such as Russian mercenaries, aiding Cambodia in the ongoing border conflict remains ongoing.
- The ongoing investigation regarding the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has found no evidence of Russian language communication or external troop involvement, contrary to some speculations in politics and general news.
