The Ministry of National Defence has categorically dismissed Thai accusations that a Cambodian national who was arrested in Thailand was acting as a spy for the Bodyguard Headquarters (BHQ) of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
In the afternoon press briefing, ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata firmly rejected what she called ‘baseless propaganda, unfounded accusations and deliberate fabrication’ as lacking evidence or a thorough investigation.
“This was instigated by certain Thai media outlets with the apparent intention of slandering Cambodia,” she said.
Thai media outlet Khaosod English reported that a Cambodian national was arrested today, August 6, at the home of his wife in Thailand’s Buriram province.
The police reportedly investigated the couple because “neither of them worked, but they lived comfortably, like regular villagers”. The individual denied being a part of the BHQ.
Socheata reiterated that the information circulated by Thailand is “entirely false and fabricated”.
“It is also important to emphasise that the Ministry of National Defence and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces do not permit any individual bearing tattoos like the ones seen on the alleged individual to serve in any capacity,” she said.
“The Thai side must immediately cease the dissemination of fabricated and baseless information. It also reflects a lack of professionalism on the part of the media institutions involved,” she added.
