Army Region 2 clarifies that 'Uncle Yochon' crossed border by mistake; admits to forest foraging, entered Cambodia territory
A 58-year-old Thai man detained by Cambodian forces near the border admitted he crossed into Cambodia by mistake while foraging for forest products in Surin Province. Army Region 2 confirmed the April incident was unintentional and he was s
Army Region 2, through the Surin Nari Task Force, assigned Special Task Unit 2 to conduct a field investigation into the case of Mr. Yochon Saiyai, who was detained by Cambodian military near Ta Leng Pass in Kab Choeng District, Surin Province. The investigation was initiated after rumors circulated on social media that Cambodian soldiers had illegally arrested someone inside Thai territory, creating public confusion.
The field investigation, led by Major Thaninthorn Dohmhom, commander of Special Task Unit 2, accompanied by Major Kittisak Bangphimai and Major Nitithorn Sirikhram, was conducted with 58-year-old Mr. Yochon and his 21-year-old son Rathawut walking the route in transparent fashion before media witnesses to verify the facts.
Yochon acknowledged that on the day of the incident, he was so absorbed in collecting forest products that he unknowingly wandered into Cambodian territory before being detained on April 15, 2569. He was released and returned to Thailand on May 15, 2569, thanks to coordinated efforts between Army Region 2 and Cambodia's Regional Military Unit 4.
The investigation found that Yochon had walked approximately 5 kilometers past Thai barbed wire barriers and defensive positions into Cambodian territory from his motorcycle's parking spot. Yochon admitted that he initially was uncertain which country he had entered, but after officials showed him the actual boundary markers, maps, and locations, he confirmed he had indeed crossed by mistake. He expressed gratitude to all officials who worked tirelessly to help him return safely to his family.
Yochon also issued a public warning to forest foragers working near the border to exercise increased caution, avoid approaching the borderline without authorization, and always inform community leaders or military officers at local bases before entering the forest to prevent unforeseen incidents like his own situation.
The military reported that the operation proceeded smoothly, with units intensifying public awareness campaigns in border communities and installing additional barbed wire fencing along the border to prevent accidental incursions into Cambodian territory while continuously upgrading safety measures in the border region.
