Buriram: A former bodyguard of Prime Minister Hun Sen, identified as Mr. Win Da, was arrested in Buriram Province, Thailand, raising suspicions of espionage after being found with military uniforms and firearms. Initially charged with illegal possession of firearms and illegal entry, Mr. Win was questioned by the Buriram police chief and denied allegations of spying.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Win Da, who previously served in the BHQ special forces unit protecting Cambodia’s Prime Minister, was detained at his Thai wife’s residence in Krasang District. Authorities confiscated a homemade shotgun, ammunition, and military uniforms bearing the BHQ insignia, associated with Hun Sen’s bodyguards. The investigation was conducted at Lamduan Police Station amid concerns that Mr. Win might have been relaying Thai military movements to Cambodian authorities.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Narongsak Promtha led the interrogation, which lasted approximately four hours. Mr. Win admitted to joining the BHQ unit in 2019, completing training, and serving at the Royal Guard Headquarters in Phnom Penh Province before moving to Thailand three years ago. He refuted claims of espionage, although authorities remain unconvinced and are examining his phone records for any evidence of Thai security information.

Mr. Win’s wife, Ms. Joy, was also summoned for questioning. Despite journalists’ attempts to glean information about her knowledge of Mr. Win’s military background and potential espionage activities, she declined to comment and entered the interrogation room at the police station.

Further search operations at Mr. Win’s residence in Sriphum Subdistrict uncovered additional evidence, including a Thai-manufactured firearm and Cambodian military uniforms, intensifying suspicions of his involvement in espionage. Investigators noted discrepancies in Mr. Win’s identity documents, which listed four different names, and he admitted to illegally entering Thailand through Sa Kaeo Province.

Currently, Mr. Win faces charges related to illegal firearm possession and unlawful entry into Thailand. Should the investigation of his mobile phone uncover any connections to Thai security matters in Cambodia, additional charges may be pursued.