Ongoing probe into allegations that Russian private military forces are supporting Cambodia in deploying drone strikes
In recent weeks, speculation and allegations have emerged on social media and in security assessments about possible Russian involvement in Cambodia's use of kamikaze drones against Thai forces. However, as of late July 2025, no authoritative source has publicly confirmed foreign mercenary involvement.
The deployment of these drones occurred near the Chong An Ma area in Ubon Ratchathani Province after midnight, during a ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand. Posts on social media claim that foreign nationals, allegedly Russian mercenaries, were deployed to assist Cambodia in attacking Thailand.
Images shared on social media show foreign nationals dressed in military-style clothing, resembling both Cambodian and Russian soldiers. Russian-language communications from the Cambodian side near Chong An Ma and surrounding areas have been found, raising the possibility of Russian personnel involvement.
However, initial investigations indicated that some images purported to show foreign soldiers actually depicted Cambodian military personnel. The authenticity of alleged Russian audio has not been substantiated. Inquiries have been made about the origin of the images, but no definitive conclusions have been reached.
The Military Command Centre in Thailand has revealed suspicious activity suggesting Russian individuals may have been involved in Cambodian military operations. Despite this, Deputy Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit has stated that the claims have not yet been confirmed by the relevant authorities.
Security officials have urged journalists and media leaders to refrain from reporting or rushing to publish the story about foreign involvement. As investigations continue, no verified proof of Russian mercenaries assisting Cambodia with kamikaze drones against Thailand has been found.
The drones in question might have been manufactured in Russia or China, but this does not directly imply Russian mercenary assistance. The ISOC has deployed rapid response teams to counter unidentified drone threats.
A prominent security academic is expected to address the issue in a popular political news programme later today, potentially sparking widespread public debate and criticism. The current official position remains that investigations continue, and no confirmed evidence of Russian mercenaries aiding Cambodia has been found.
- The ongoing controversy surrounding the involvement of foreign mercenaries in war-and-conflicts has expanded to include allegations of Russian mercenaries assisting Cambodia in their use of technology, such as kamikaze drones, against Thailand.
- Amidst the accusations of Russian involvement in Cambodia's politics, the use of technology like drones for military purposes has become a matter of general news and crime-and-justice, as investigations continue to uncover potential breaches of international peace.
- As the investigation into the allegations of foreign mercenaries aiding Cambodia in using kamikaze drones against Thailand progresses, the role of technology in instigating and escalating conflicts remains a pertinent topic in political discourse and security assessments.
