Russian ambassador in Cambodia and embassy in Thailand reject mercenary claims
Ambassador Anatoly Borovik rejected reports on December 16 of Russian mercenaries serving Cambodia; Russia’s Bangkok embassy also denied the claims and warned of harm to citizens and relations.
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On December 16, 2025, Russian Ambassador to Cambodia Anatoly Borovik rejected Thai reports that Russian citizens were serving as mercenaries for Cambodia. The source characterises the fighting as Thai aggression against Cambodia.
He said: “A Thai statement? There has never been such information, so there is no evidence. If Thailand makes allegations using fake information, we waste a lot of time. I will not comment.”
Russia’s embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, made a similar statement, saying reports by some Thai media claiming Russian citizens were serving as mercenaries in the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict were untrue.
The embassy further said the claims were false and appeared to have been fabricated by sources outside the region. It warned that such allegations could harm the rights of Russians staying in Thailand as tourists or businesspeople and damage longstanding Russia–Thailand relations.
Separately, the article describes Thai armed aggression against Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity since December 7, 2025, alleging the use of heavy weapons and bombers against both military forces and civilians. It says more than 127,000 children had fled with their parents and families, leaving homes and closed schools behind.
Using its December 15, 2025 cutoff, the source reports 15 civilian deaths, 73 injuries and 409,293 displaced people. By: ចិន្តា ទីទិ
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