RTAF F-16s drop munitions on two Cambodian army weapons and ammunition depots in Banteay Meanchey province.

Thailand has tightened screening measures for Cambodian nationals entering Thailand under the visa-free scheme and stepped up checks on certain groups of foreign travellers deemed as "posing a risk" amid growing security concerns linked to the Thai–Cambodian border conflict.

The move followed intelligence reports that Cambodian spies and mercenaries are allegedly infiltrating Thai territory to carry out sabotage in the country’s inner areas.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday convened an emergency meeting with National Security Council Secretary-General Chatchai Bangchuad at Government House to address escalating concerns along the Thai-Cambodian border, including reports of espionage and mercenaries.

Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimphadee, deputy commissioner and spokesman of the Immigration Bureau, said that since the latest wave of clashes erupted along the Thai–Cambodian border, commercial flights between the two countries have continued to operate normally.

This has raised security concerns, and at last Thursday’s meeting of heads of immigration checkpoints at five international airports, stricter screening measures were imposed on certain groups of foreign nationals who may pose a national security threat.

These measures are focused on two groups: Cambodian nationals entering Thailand by air under the visa-free scheme at a time when hostilities between the two countries have escalated, and suspected mercenaries from parts of Eastern Europe and upper Asia.

Pol Maj Gen Choengron said Cambodian travellers with legitimate business activities in Thailand are required to apply for appropriate visas through Thai embassies abroad to ensure proper screening before departure, as during a conflict situation, travel purely for tourism would be considered unusual.

The Immigration Bureau is also coordinating with security and intelligence agencies to obtain more information on suspected foreign mercenaries, and if specific individuals can be identified, screening can be more targeted, reducing disruption for ordinary tourists, he said.

He added that tighter checks may lead to long queues, particularly at Suvarnabhumi airport, but waiting times would not exceed 45 minutes.

The Immigration Bureau has tightened screening of foreign nationals entering Thailand, applying the Immigration Act to deny entry to individuals assessed as potential threats. In December alone, 78 Cambodian nationals were denied entry, despite Cambodia’s inclusion on Thailand’s visa-free list of 93 countries. Additionally, 128 foreigners suspected of links to mercenary activities were denied entry in the first ten days of the month.

Responding to reports of possible mercenary presence in Nakhon Ratchasima province, police confirmed the information originated from intelligence discussions with local authorities. While no unusual activity has been detected, surveillance remains ongoing.

Authorities urged the public to assist in safeguarding national security by reporting suspicious persons, objects, or unmanned aerial vehicles to hotlines 191 or 1599, available 24 hours a day. Police emphasised that maintaining sovereignty and public safety is a shared responsibility.

Police in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Phol Krang area have urged vigilance after intelligence reports suggest possible infiltration by foreign mercenaries to target strategic locations.

Hotel operators, resort owners, and residents are urged to report suspicious foreign guests, particularly those engaged in dubious activities or transporting unusual equipment.

Nakhon Ratchasima is home to the Royal Thai Air Force’s base operating F-16 fighter jets.

Meanwhile, the Embassy of Russia in Thailand has taken note of reports circulating in certain Thai media outlets alleging the possible involvement of Russian nationals as mercenaries hired by the Cambodian side to participate in the Thai–Cambodian border conflict.

Such unfounded assertions, likely generated from outside the region, appear intended to infringe on the rights of Russian citizens present here as tourists or for business purposes and to undermine the traditionally friendly relations between Russia and Thailand, the embassy said.

The position of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the Thai–Cambodian conflict is well known and was reiterated by the ministry’s spokeswoman during a press briefing on Thursday.

"Russia has a lasting track record of upholding its traditional friendship and promoting cooperation with Thailand and Cambodia. We want all disputes to be resolved by peaceful means only."

Thai troops hoist the Thai national flag on the Ta Khwai temple in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin, after it was recaptured. photos by Army Military Force Facebook Page