Senate President Rejects Claims of Foreign Mercenaries in Cambodia’s Border Conflict

PHNOM PENH (Dec. 16, 2025) — Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen has forcefully denied reports that Russian nationals or other foreigners are fighting in the country’s escalating border clashes with Thailand, calling the allegations “baseless” and potentially inflammatory.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen said Cambodia hosts no foreign troops or military advisers, stressing that no foreign forces have been present since the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) withdrew in 1993.

He acknowledged that foreign militaries have joined joint exercises in Cambodia, particularly naval drills in coastal provinces, but emphasized these were strictly under official defense cooperation and never combat operations.

“Cambodia welcomes tourists, investors, and foreign employees, but none are involved in military activities,” Samdech Techo Hun Sen said, dismissing speculation in Thai media that Russian soldiers or other foreigners were serving as mercenaries along the frontier.

His remarks came hours after the Russian Embassy in Thailand rejected similar claims, describing them as “unfounded” and aimed at undermining Russian citizens’ rights and bilateral relations.

Moscow reiterated its position that disputes in the region must be resolved peacefully, a stance the Foreign Ministry outlined earlier this year.

The conflict, reignited after a ceasefire collapsed this month, has seen both sides trade accusations of aggression. Cambodia has reported airstrikes and troop incursions into its territory, while Thailand insists it is defending its sovereignty.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s intervention underscores Cambodia’s effort to counter narratives of foreign involvement, which officials warn could distort the conflict and heighten regional tensions.