Cambodian Ex-Bodyguard Arrested in Buri Ram on Suspicion of Espionage
BURI RAM — A Cambodian man believed to be a former member of the elite Bodyguard Headquarters (BHQ) of Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has been arrested in Thailand’s Krasang district of Buri Ram province, near the Cambodian border.
According to a Facebook post by Lamduan police, the man, identified only as Win, 36, was apprehended at a residence where he claimed to be living with his Thai wife. Authorities suspect he was spying on Thai military movements in the region.
The arrest, made earlier this week, raised immediate security concerns due to the man’s alleged affiliation with the BHQ, a powerful paramilitary unit tasked with protecting Cambodian government leaders. The BHQ is widely known for its loyalty to Hun Sen and has been involved in both domestic and cross-border security operations.
Police photographs posted online show the suspect wearing BHQ-branded clothing and a camouflage hat, along with multiple tattoos on his chest and arms. Additional photos discovered on his mobile phone depicted him in full military uniform, armed with a battle rifle.
Conflicting Claims and Suspicious Activity
During interrogation, Win reportedly told officers he had resigned from the BHQ several years ago and had since lived and worked in Thailand. He said he had been staying at his Thai wife’s home in Krasang district for about a year.
However, authorities cast doubt on his claims after discovering that Win used four different names across various documents, including his military identification, Cambodian passport, national ID card, and Thai work permit.
Further investigation revealed that Win had illegally crossed the Thai-Cambodian border into Sa Kaeo province in mid-July, bypassing immigration checkpoints. Authorities seized a shotgun pistol with ammunition from the house, further escalating concerns about his intentions in Thailand.
Thai Authorities on Alert
Lamduan police suspect that Win may have been operating as a spy, gathering intelligence on Thai military deployments along the eastern border. Though he denied any such activities, the combination of illegal entry, possession of a weapon, and military photos triggered suspicions.
Police stated that they are working with immigration and military intelligence units to determine whether the suspect had any links to ongoing operations or networks active in the border region. His use of multiple identities and the nature of his documentation are being scrutinized as part of a broader probe.
Buri Ram, like many northeastern provinces, has long been a sensitive area in terms of border security, with frequent illegal crossings and occasional smuggling or intelligence-gathering operations reported.
Next Steps
As of Wednesday, Win remains in custody and is expected to face charges related to illegal entry, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possible espionage, pending further investigation.
Authorities have not confirmed whether Cambodian officials have been notified or requested extradition. Given the suspect’s past links to a politically sensitive unit, Thai officials are reportedly proceeding with caution.
The case highlights growing regional concerns over cross-border infiltration and the movement of former military personnel in Southeast Asia. It also underscores the importance of heightened surveillance and inter-agency cooperation in maintaining national security.
More updates are expected as the investigation continues.
