File photo: Cambodia drone

 

The Russian Embassy in Thailand has firmly dismissed media reports alleging that Russian citizens are being recruited as mercenaries by Cambodia to partake in the escalating border conflict with Thailand. In a statement on Facebook, the embassy declared these reports false and baseless, emphasising that they could jeopardise the rights of Russian nationals visiting Thailand as tourists or for business.

 

Background information reveals that these allegations emerged from certain Thai media outlets, causing diplomatic unease. The embassy reaffirmed Russia's commitment to upholding its longstanding amicable ties with both Thailand and Cambodia. This stance was reaffirmed by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs during a briefing on December 11, where they underscored their dedication to peaceful conflict resolution.

 

The embassy advised against irresponsible reporting, stressing that misinformation could heighten tensions and impact bilateral relationships negatively. Concerns grew in Thailand after security authorities were alerted to alleged foreign mercenaries, whose nationalities were unknown but reportedly linked to the Cambodian government for espionage purposes related to the border strife.

 

Reports have suggested that Thailand was used as a meeting place for these mercenaries, with some travelling to Cambodia via Thai airports. The situation received heightened attention after the Thai military noted the advanced drones operated by Cambodian forces, which require skilled operators.

 

In response, Thai police in Nakhon Ratchasima have urged locals to report any suspicious foreigners, particularly Russians, staying in accommodations. This area hosts Air Wing 1, the base for Thailand’s F-16s, which have engaged in airstrikes on Cambodian military bases recently. Thai PBS WORLD reported that Bangkok's international airports have also increased security measures to monitor mercenary movements.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• The Russian Embassy in Thailand denies claims about mercenary activities.
• Allegations risk damaging Russia’s relations with Thailand and Cambodia.
• Thai security has increased vigilance amid espionage concerns.

 

Related stories

Thai Immigration Bureau Tightens Visa Checks Amid Security Fears

Korat residents urged to report suspicious foreigners

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS WORLD 2025-12-16

 

 

 

So who is to believe Putin? He also claimed that there were no N. Korean soldiers being used in the conflict with Ukraine. 

The dogs of War    .....always seem to show up 

A post targeting Russian people has been removed. Please don’t post things like that. It comes across as racist.

 

@JoePai

 

 

As far as what Russian officials say:

Never trust

Always verify

 

Hopefully this isn't happening, but we can't know anything about it based on what Russian officials say.

 

Also, if they are mercenaries, that's not really directly about Russian foreign policy anyway.

Better check to see if Thailand is using Ukrainian mercenaries.

I guess we are all well-used to Russian denials of anything dodgy; it's no great surprise.  They might, of course, be reasonable denials this time!  Who knows...  

 

Then again, we are all probably well-used to some other countries auto-denying anything potentially dodgy.  No names of course... 

Russian mercenaries definitely involved.

 

On 12/15/2025 at 11:37 PM, Jim Blue said:

The dogs of War    .....always seem to show up 

i hate  all this russophic people here, with never ever was in this countrys and stupid  pre judice

can you all not stop your <deleted>y???   and clean the "house in front of your own door???"-theres enough s

Well perhaps you should all vote for someone else

 

Oh wait ......

Why would Russia send mercenaries to fight Thailand ?

 

Seems rumours started by the russophobe EU or UK.

Just as likely to be Brits, Ukrainians or...  or...

 

I wonder who pays best?

 

You'd think that Mother Russia needs every man she can get closer to home.

 

Does it really make sense to have Russian mercenaries in Cambodia while Russia needs to import North Korean soldiers for more manpower? I think not!

Cambodia has the backing of the mother-land... why would they need Russians?

On 12/16/2025 at 5:18 AM, thesetat said:

So who is to believe Putin? He also claimed that there were no N. Korean soldiers being used in the conflict with Ukraine. 

could be true as Russians are taller than Hhi's

3 hours ago, FlorC said:

Why would Russia send mercenaries to fight Thailand ?

 

Seems rumours started by the russophobe EU or UK.

If, then they are hired on their own account not by or through the Russian government 

2 hours ago, Caldera said:

Does it really make sense to have Russian mercenaries in Cambodia while Russia needs to import North Korean soldiers for more manpower? I think not!

Did it really make sense for Russia to invade Ukraine?  Or for Russia to be the strong (only?) suspect accused of flying drones around European airports?
 

^ Only suspect ?

What about the euros/nato themselves.

English-speaking Russian mercenaries? It's possible that English would be the lingua franca between Cambodians and Russians.

 

Quote

 

Second Army Area suspects English-speaking foreigners flying suicide drones for Cambodian troops

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/asean/40059596

 

Thailand’s Second Army Area suspects English-speaking foreign operators are flying “suicide drones” for Cambodian troops, after skilled FPV attacks and English radio chatter were detected over Chong An Ma Pass.

 

 

The following viewpoint will inflame the AN inhabitants who believe the USA's propaganda that it is "exporting democracy and freedom" to the world (by bombing the <deleted> out of anyone who won't play ball).

Quote

 

Thai-Cambodian Conflict Threatens Asian Stability by Design

https://journal-neo.su/2025/12/15/thai-cambodian-conflict-threatens-asian-stability-by-design/

 

Despite any resulting ceasefire, the fundamental issues driving the conflict remain entirely unresolved, primarily because these issues stem from foreign interests using regional conflict to complicate both Asia’s rise in general and China’s rise specifically.

 

 

sounds like a bogus claim

So, why are these "mercenaries" 'from Eastern Europe' (Russia?) and 'North Asia' (China?) supposedly coming to Thailand? (Also, have the people in charge, perhaps, watched too many James Bond, or Rambo movies?) 😂 

Happens all over the world with these Private Military Companies, didnt a bunch of Thai's go to the Ukraine to fight against Russia?  Im sure a bunch of Vietnamese will sign up for a fight, they've not one for a while, 

On 12/16/2025 at 3:29 AM, webfact said:

Thai police in Nakhon Ratchasima have urged locals to report any suspicious foreigners, particularly Russians, staying in accommodations.

So to protect Thailand national security, report all "suspicious" foreigners staying in accommodations? 

Why not just post a "Closed" sign on the front to refuse any foreigner checking in? Not much good for the faltering tourist economy.

What is "suspicious?" Russian, Hispanic, African, European etc.?

18 hours ago, FlorC said:

^ Only suspect ?

What about the euros/nato themselves.

Why would Europeans send covert spies to

the UK to posion Russian dissidents ?

6 hours ago, Srikcir said:

So to protect Thailand national security, report all "suspicious" foreigners staying in accommodations? 

Why not just post a "Closed" sign on the front to refuse any foreigner checking in? Not much good for the faltering tourist economy.

What is "suspicious?" Russian, Hispanic, African, European etc.?

 

If in doubt, perhaps, all foreigners are "suspicious" and should be reported to the police... 😆 (Will we soon have to stitch a star onto our clothes, like the Jews and others had to do in Nazi Germany?)