Law enforcement agencies aim to continue holding the alleged secret informant in custody
In Buri Ram, Thailand, a 36-year-old Cambodian man named Win Da has been arrested on suspicion of espionage, following the discovery of a homemade firearm and multiple Cambodian military uniforms, some bearing insignia from the Bodyguard Headquarters (BHQ), a unit linked to former Prime Minister Hun Sen[1][2][3].
The Thai police found four pieces of identification under four different names, including a Cambodian passport under the name Meas Somonchannak and a military ID identifying him as Capt Son Kim Ai[1]. Win Da had admitted to having served in the Cambodian military until 2021 but denied any involvement in espionage[1][2][3].
Win had been living with his Thai wife, Joy, and their one-year-old son in Buri Ram, having entered Thailand illegally around mid-July 2025[2][3]. The wife claimed ignorance about the uniforms and his military background[2][3]. Police have charged him with illegal possession of a firearm and illegal entry, while further national security charges related to espionage may be filed pending ongoing investigations[1][3].
The villagers in Ban Khok Sung, where Win and Joy reside, describe Win as friendly and sociable, particularly with local youths during sports events[4]. However, suspicions have arisen as the villagers suspect that Mr. Win and Ms. Joy receive monthly remittances from abroad[4].
Thai security authorities have increased surveillance and tightened controls, particularly on drones, following this and similar arrests amid border tensions with Cambodia[5]. Lt. Gen. Boonsin Padklang, commander of the Second Army Region, is working closely with police to verify Win's background[5].
Authorities are also investigating whether Win Da is connected to Cambodia's elite Bodyguard Headquarters (BHQ), believed to be affiliated with Hun Sen's inner circle[1]. Lt. Gen. Boonsin Padklang has asked governors of all border provinces to heighten vigilance against potential espionage activities[5].
Meanwhile, Ms. Joy has expressed reluctance to give further interviews due to fear that her former partner may learn about the incident[2][3]. The local police have sought court approval to extend the detention of Win Da[2]. Neither Mr. Win nor Ms. Joy appear to have regular employment[2].
As the investigation continues, further questioning and security assessments are planned[2][3][5]. The arrest of Win Da has raised security concerns in Thailand, with authorities working diligently to ensure the safety and integrity of their borders.
[1] Thai police arrest Cambodian man in suspected espionage case
[2] Cambodian man arrested in Thailand on suspicion of espionage
[3] Thai police arrest Cambodian man on suspicion of espionage
[4] Villagers describe 'friendly' Cambodian man arrested for suspected espionage in Thailand
[5] Thai authorities tighten border controls amid escalating tensions with Cambodia
- The arrest of Win Da in Buri Ram, Thailand, has sparked general-news discussions, as he was apprehended on suspicion of espionage and is believed to have ties with Cambodia's elite Bodyguard Headquarters, a unit connected to former Prime Minister Hun Sen, which falls under the category of crime-and-justice news.
- As the investigation into Win Da's arrest deepens, the media is closely following political developments, as Thai authorities are investigating a possible connection between him and Cambodia's political circle, and have heightened surveillance and tightened border controls in response to escalating tensions between the two countries.
