Sa Kaeo – Police have intensified security checks on Road 348 after the military invoked martial law to detain the "Khok Sung community leader," suspected of spying by relaying movement information to Cambodia. Local residents are uneasy amid rumors that the leader might be a Cambodian holding Thai citizenship, raising serious doubts and questions in the community about the citizenship issuance process and the verification of local leadership qualifications.
Updates on the Thai-Cambodian border situation on 16 Dec 2025 GMT+7 in Sa Kaeo province report that security forces have increased inspections along the border area on Road 348 from Aranyaprathet to Khok Sung to Ta Phraya. Authorities detected a suspect illegally transmitting information to Cambodian authorities. The suspect is a community leader in Village 4, Khok Sung Subdistrict.
A security source revealed that the suspect is currently detained by the Burapha Task Force under martial law for seven days for further investigation. No release has been granted. Consequently, officers have increased manpower to set up checkpoints, thoroughly inspecting all vehicles entering and leaving the area, questioning routes, and checking identification cards to prevent security risks.
Meanwhile, reporters visiting Nong Jan and Nong Ya Kaeo villages found that some residents have chosen to stay at home despite the tense border situation, mainly because they are concerned about their livestock and cannot leave them behind.
Mr. Jeerasak, 25, a local resident, said he works in Bangkok but evacuated his parents and family to a safe area when clashes broke out. He then volunteered to return alone to watch over the house due to concern for over 25 goats he raises. During heavy fighting days, he relocated the goats to a field outside the village for their safety.
He is also worried that his presence might interfere with military personnel conducting operations near the front line. While speaking, gunfire could still be heard intermittently.
Additionally, locals expressed unease over rumors that the community leader might be a Cambodian holding Thai nationality, fueling suspicion and serious questions about the citizenship card issuance process and the verification of local leadership qualifications.
One resident commented, “It is completely unacceptable if foreigners can become community leaders over Thai people. This issue must be thoroughly investigated and not allowed to happen again.” They urged government agencies and the administration to address the problem seriously to restore confidence and security for border residents.
Officials confirmed they will closely monitor the situation and proceed carefully under the law to avoid impacting the safety and order of the local population.