Senate President Affirms No Foreign Troops or Advisors Are Involved in the Border Conflict
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – On the afternoon of December 16, 2025—the 10th day of the conflict sparked by the Thai military incursion—Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate, issued a strong denial against Thai media reports claiming Russian and other foreign mercenaries are fighting alongside Cambodian forces.
A Definite Denial of Foreign Involvement
Samdech Hun Sen clarified the situation to protect the dignity of both Cambodia and the foreign nations being accused:
“I would like to confirm that Cambodia has no Russians or other foreigners participating in combat on the battlefield, nor are they serving as military advisors for the Cambodian army,” Samdech Hun Sen declared.
He emphasized that the current military counter-operations are being conducted entirely by the Cambodian Armed Forces.
History of Foreign Presence in Cambodia
Samdech Techo explained that Cambodia has maintained its military independence for decades:
- Post-UNTAC Era: Cambodia has not had foreign military bases or permanent foreign troops on its soil since the UNTAC withdrawal in 1993.
- Military Cooperation: He acknowledged that while foreign troops enter Cambodia for joint multinational or bilateral exercises (particularly naval visits at Sihanoukville), these are standard international practices for defense cooperation and not participation in active war.
Distinguishing Civilians from Combatants
The Senate President noted that there are indeed many foreign nationals currently in Cambodia, but they are here for peaceful purposes:
- Status of Foreigners: Thousands of foreigners are in the country as tourists, investors, technicians, and employees of international and local firms.
- Clarification: Samdech Hun Sen stressed that these individuals have absolutely no connection to the military or the ongoing fighting.
Thai Media’s History of “Fake News”
The report highlights that this is not the first time Thai media has used misinformation to influence international opinion:
- The “Volleyball Player” Incident: During a previous 5-day skirmish in May, Thai media used a photo of a Cambodian soldier who was also a volleyball player, falsely claiming he was a Russian mercenary.
- Russian Rebuttal: The Russian Embassy in Bangkok had already issued its own denial on December 15, calling the current claims “fabricated.”
Conflict Summary (Day 10)
As the invasion enters its 10th day, the Cambodian military continues its struggle to reclaim territorial integrity. The government maintains that the defense of the nation is a duty being carried out solely by Cambodian citizens and soldiers.