AKP Phnom Penh, December 16, 2025 --

Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen has firmly denied the recent reports from several Thai media outlets claiming that Russian or other foreign nationals are involved in Cambodia’s retaliation against Thailand’s invasion. 

Samdech Techo made the rejection on his social media platforms this afternoon in order to safeguard the dignity of Cambodia, the Russian Federation, and other foreign nationals mentioned in the reports. 

“In order to preserve the dignity of Cambodia, as well as Russia and other foreigners who have been wrongly accused, I would like to clarify that Cambodia has no Russian or any other foreign troops on the battlefield or serving as military advisors to the Cambodian army,” he underlined.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen said Cambodia hasn’t had any foreign troops on Cambodian soil since UNTAC withdrew from the country in 1993.

The Senate President acknowledged that Cambodia has previously hosted foreign military personnel solely for joint or bilateral military exercises, particularly naval forces arriving through the port of Preah Sihanouk province. He noted that such activities are standard international practice conducted within the framework of defence cooperation and are not related to combat operations.

He also pointed out that Cambodia currently hosts foreign nationals of various nationalities, including tourists, investors, technical experts, and employees of both foreign and local companies. However, he emphasised that these individuals have no involvement whatsoever in military affairs or combat activities.

By Heng Panha