Minister of Interior Sar Sokha has issued a stark warning to Cambodian citizens, urging them to remain vigilant against actions that could jeopardise national security, as the nation’s armed forces confront continued aggression from Thai troops along the border.
In a statement posted on his official social media account, Sokha revealed that “a small number of citizens” have allegedly aided Thai espionage efforts.
“In recent days, several individuals fell prey to Thai spying by equipping themselves with GPS tracking devices, taking photographs and sharing sensitive information about military movements and battlefield positions. They were arrested, with concrete evidence,” he said.
Such acts, he warned, are grave crimes and could result in the revocation of Cambodian citizenship.
Sokha cited the Criminal Code, which outlines severe punishments for treason, including collaboration with foreign powers, inciting hostility or contributing to acts of aggression against the Kingdom. These crimes are punishable by 15 to 30 years in prison.
“The act of delivering or allowing the leakage of classified information to foreign entities is punishable by 7 to 15 years,” he said.
“Receiving or gathering intelligence on behalf of foreign countries carries a sentence of 5 to 10 years. Committing violence that endangers state institutions or undermines territorial integrity is punishable by 15 to 30 years,” he added.
The minister condemned those who betray the country.
“Anyone seduced by Thailand into becoming a traitor must wake up and consider the nation’s tragic history — one marked by centuries of war and sacrifice,” he said.
He noted that Cambodia’s current challenges are rooted, in part, in such betrayals.
“To protect our sovereignty as we do today, our leaders and national forces — especially the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and the National Police — have sacrificed their lives. Their bones have become mountains, their families’ tears, oceans,” he said.
“Our soldiers are now fighting bravely to defend the land left to us by our ancestors. It is heartbreaking that the treacherous acts of a few have led to the loss of troops on the battlefield,” he concluded.
