Investigation finds no security risk linked to a Cambodian citizen, thus he is exonerated of the espionage charge.
In the southeastern province of Chanthaburi, Thailand, a 43-year-old Cambodian national named Oeun Khoem was initially suspected and arrested for espionage on July 28, 2025. However, subsequent investigations conducted by the Chanthaburi Marine Taskforce have cleared him of these charges.
The initial suspicion arose due to several factors. Oeun Khoem had made Facebook posts that suggested he might be involved in spying for the Cambodian military, including a claim that Thailand had attacked Cambodian troops first. His pickup truck and residence in Thailand contained Cambodian military uniforms, which raised further concerns.
Despite these suspicious findings, Oeun Khoem explained that he had purchased the uniforms due to a personal interest and had aspired to join the Cambodian military but was unable to do so due to educational barriers. The investigation did not uncover any evidence linking him to espionage activities such as photographing sensitive locations or transmitting compromising information.
Oeun Khoem has been living in Thailand for approximately 20 years. He is fluent in Thai and lives in Pong Nam Ron, Chanthaburi, with his Cambodian wife and child. The latest order for the military uniforms was placed by Oeun Khoem on February 15. Numerous images of him wearing Cambodian military uniforms were found on his phone.
The authorities used specialized tools to conduct a thorough investigation into Oeun Khoem's phone. No evidence of espionage activities was found on his device. Furthermore, no data compromising Thailand's security was discovered during the investigation.
Initially, Oeun Khoem was suspected of being a Cambodian soldier gathering intelligence in the Chanthaburi area. However, the investigation did not find any link between Oeun Khoem and espionage activities. The military uniforms were purchased by Oeun Khoem via Facebook under the name "Khan Sopheach." The uniforms were delivered to a pick-up location at the Ban Laem border crossing in Pong Nam Ron, Chanthaburi.
Oeun Khoem shared news about Thailand's situation on Facebook. He had a personal interest in Cambodian military uniforms, but this interest did not extend to any illegal or harmful activities. On July 28, the Chanthaburi Marine Taskforce cleared Oeun Khoem of espionage charges.
This case serves as a reminder that it is essential to thoroughly investigate all allegations before making conclusions. The authorities in Chanthaburi conducted a comprehensive investigation, ultimately finding no evidence linking Oeun Khoem to espionage activities. Oeun Khoem, a long-time resident of Thailand, can now continue his life without the cloud of espionage allegations hanging over him.
References:
- Thai authorities arrest Cambodian man suspected of espionage
- Chanthaburi Marine Taskforce clears Cambodian national of espionage charges
- Cambodian man arrested for espionage in Chanthaburi, Thailand
- Investigation finds no evidence linking Cambodian man to espionage in Thailand
- The whole ordeal of Oeun Khoem's espionage charges in Thailand served as a reminder for the importance of thorough investigations, as politics and war-and-conflicts often drive such allegations.
- His case also sheds light on the role of social media platforms like Facebook in the general news landscape, as his posts were crucial in initializing the espionage investigation.
- Interestingly, Oeun Khoem's personal interest in the Cambodian military uniforms and his aspiration to join their ranks due to educational barriers did not lead him to engage in crime-and-justice activities.
