Two Royal Cambodian Armed Forces officers apparently have been appointed chief of the Thailand-Cambodia Relations Office, causing confusion among the troops.

Pol Sinoun, nephew of RCAF Commander-in-Chief Pol Saroeun, was appointed in June following the promotion of former chief Sok Pheap. His letter of nomination was signed by Pol Saroeun. In a surprise move at a handover ceremony last week in Banteay Meanchey province, however, Ministry of Defence spokesman Chhum Socheat declared Dy Phen - a cousin of Prime Minister Hun Sen - as chief. His letter of nomination was signed by Minister of Defence Tea Banh.

Leang Ai, an officer at the relations office, said: "I am surprised to see this. I do not know what to do, and I do not dare to comment because both of them have been nominated by top officials." Another officer, who wished to remain anonymous, also expressed confusion. "We do not know which commander to follow," he said. Pol Saroeun told the Post he did not know about the most recently appointed chief, but would ask those in charge.