Region 2 Army Releases Photo of 'Uncle Yotchon' After Cambodian Arrest, Explains Timeline of Border Forest Entry
A 58-year-old man from Surin Province was arrested by Cambodian authorities after illegally crossing the Thai-Cambodian border near Kabchoeng District in late April and is now detained in Cambodia facing charges of illegal border crossing.
On May 13, 2025, the Region 2 Army Command released details about the disappearance of Yotchon Sainoi, a 58-year-old resident from Moo 7, Kantrajramuan Subdistrict, Prasart District, Surin Province. He had reported a missing persons case to Kabchoeng Police Station after venturing into a forest near Huay Samriang, close to Nontong village in Kokkachian Subdistrict, Kabchoeng District, which sits near the Thai-Cambodian border. Contact with him was lost starting April 25, 2025. Officers discovered his motorcycle parked at the forest edge, prompting urgent coordination with security agencies and local administration for immediate investigation and assistance.
Following coordination with Cambodian authorities through Lt. Col. Pow Peng, border liaison chief for the Orotsamed area, Thai officials were informed that Yotchon Sainoi had illegally crossed into the Kingdom of Cambodia and was arrested by Cambodian officials. He was subsequently prosecuted in Udon Mueang Province on charges of illegal border crossing and military area trespassing, and is currently detained at Udon Mueang Prison.
The Region 2 Army Command has coordinated closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the Thai Consulate General in Siemreap monitoring the situation and providing ongoing consular assistance to ensure his treatment adheres to humanitarian principles and relevant legal processes. Yotchon is reported to be in good health and safety while in custody.
The Region 2 Army Command urges border residents to know that military units have increased security measures including patrols, inspections, and checkpoint operations along the entire border to prevent similar incidents and ensure public safety. The command also requests cooperation from those needing to forage or conduct activities near the border to exercise caution and coordinate in advance with military or local officials to ensure proper safety for life and property, thereby reducing risks of getting lost or engaging in activities that could violate neighboring country laws.
