spy accused of treason in Cambodia is found innocent following investigation that reveals no imminent security risks
In the small town of Pong Nam Ron, Chanthaburi, a shocking investigation took place earlier this year. A Cambodian national named Oeun Khoem, who works as a fruit picker and resides there with his family, was initially suspected of espionage.
The investigation began when authorities found Cambodian military uniforms in Oeun Khoem's possession and discovered his Facebook posts, which suggested potential spying against Thailand. Reports even claimed that he allegedly admitted to spying as an army lieutenant for Cambodia during interrogation [1][3].
However, a thorough and specialized investigation by Thai authorities, including a digital forensic examination of Oeun Khoem's phone, revealed no evidence of him taking photos of sensitive locations, sharing GPS coordinates, or transmitting information compromising Thailand's security [4].
Oeun Khoem, who is fluent in Thai, explained that the uniforms were purchased out of personal interest and his aspiration to join the Cambodian army. Unfortunately, he never passed formal recruitment due to educational limitations [4]. He fully cooperated with the authorities during the investigation and expressed that he has been living in Thailand for approximately 20 years.
On July 28, Oeun Khoem was cleared of espionage charges. Despite being found with Cambodian military uniforms and photos, and initial suspicions of espionage, the official investigation concluded that he did not engage in espionage activities against Thailand [4].
It's essential to note that there was a separate espionage arrest involving a Cambodian national named Oeun Khoem in Sa Kaeo province in early August 2025. In this case, the suspect did confess to spying and receiving payment for it [5]. This may either be a different person or a later development, but it is distinct from the Chanthaburi case where Oeun Khoem was cleared.
In summary, the Chanthaburi-based Oeun Khoem was cleared of espionage charges despite initial suspicions. The latest order for the uniforms was placed by Oeun Khoem on February 15, and they were delivered to a pick-up location at the Ban Laem border crossing in Pong Nam Ron, Chanthaburi [1][4].
| Case Location | Allegations | Outcome | |--------------------|--------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Chanthaburi (July) | Suspicion of spying; uniform possession; social media | Cleared after investigation; no spying proven[4] | | Sa Kaeo (August) | Arrest for spying; confession; paid for intel | Confessed and under legal process[5] |
- Despite the investigation revealing Cambodian military uniforms and Facebook posts raising initial concerns, the thorough investigation by Thai authorities found no evidence of espionage against Thailand on the part of Oeun Khoem, leading to his clearance of espionage charges.
- The ongoing political and general news about war-and-conflicts suggests that the global community must pay more attention to border control and national security, considering the potential threats from foreign agents, such as the espionage case involving Oeun Khoem in Chanthaburi.
- Apart from the criminal case, Oeun Khoem's career history shows educational limitations as a barrier to his aspirations in the Cambodian army, and his pursuit of uniforms could also be viewed as a separate interest connected to his business dealings in the fruit industry.
