The Russian Embassy in Thailand has refuted media reports suggesting that Russian citizens are being hired as mercenaries by Cambodia, to take part in the ongoing border conflict with Thailand.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the embassy said it is aware of reports circulating in some Thai media outlets alleging such involvement, but stressed that the claims are untrue and unfounded.
“These reports are likely fabricated from non-regional sources,” the embassy said, adding that the allegations appear intended to violate the rights of Russian citizens, currently in Thailand as tourists or for business purposes.
The embassy said the reports have also harmed the long-standing friendly relations between Russia and Thailand, noting that Russia’s position on the Thai-Cambodian border dispute has been made clear by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was reiterated by its spokesperson during a briefing on December 11.
“Russia has traditionally maintained friendly and cooperative relations with both Thailand and Cambodia,” the spokesperson said, adding “We support the resolution of all disputes exclusively through peaceful means.”
The embassy emphasised that Russia does not support or participate in the conflict and called for responsible reporting, to prevent misinformation from escalating tensions or damaging bilateral relations.
Earlier, it was reported that Thailand’s security authorities had been on alert over reports that foreign mercenaries, of unknown nationality but allegedly on the payroll of the Cambodian government, were in the country to conduct espionage related to the border tensions.
Some reports indicated that the mercenaries used Thailand as a meeting place, while others travelled to Cambodia via Thai airports.
The issue went viral after the Thai military expressed surprise at the increasing presence of sophisticated drones being used by the Cambodian military, saying that operating such drones required professional personnel.
Recently, police in Nakhon Ratchasima province asked the public to keep a close watch on suspicious “male foreigners,” especially Russians staying in resorts or hotels.
People are required to report such sightings to the police. Nakhon Ratchasima is home to Air Wing 1, the base of the Thai Air Force’s fleet of F-16s, which have launched air strikes on Cambodian military bases in recent weeks.
Last Wednesday morning, a police spokesperson confirmed the request by Nakhon Ratchasima police, saying the issue was the result of a recent police meeting.
He also revealed that security has been intensified at both international airports in Bangkok, to check reports of foreign mercenaries travelling to Phnom Penh via the airports.
