Phnom penh: H.E. Aphi Santepundit Sar Sokha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, today issued a severe warning to the Cambodian populace, emphasising that acts of espionage or aiding foreign powers-especially during times of national conflict-constitute high treason and are punishable under the Kingdom's criminal law, including potential loss of citizenship.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Deputy Prime Minister urged citizens to remain vigilant against actions that could compromise national security, particularly during ongoing military operations against Thai incursions along the border. He revealed that a few Cambodians had been recruited by Thai intelligence to spy, having installed GPS devices and transmitted sensitive military information. Authorities have arrested the suspects and gathered concrete evidence of their actions.
H.E. Aphi Santepundit Sokha stressed that any acts endangering national security or sovereignty are severe criminal offenses under Cambodian law, including espionage and leaking national defense information. The Penal Code outlines significant penalties for such offenses, with prison sentences ranging from 5 to 30 years depending on the severity.
He reminded citizens of Cambodia's historical struggles and sacrifices made to preserve sovereignty, urging them not to be swayed by foreign agents. He highlighted the severe consequences of betrayal, which have historically led to widespread suffering. Recent acts of treason, he noted, have endangered soldiers and resulted in casualties.
The Deputy Prime Minister appealed to citizens to prioritize national interest, emphasizing the collective unity of the government, people, and armed forces in protecting sovereignty. He concluded with a call to national conscience, reminding citizens of their patriotic duty to safeguard the nation.