Timeline Revealed: Uncle Yochan Detained by Cambodian Military at Udon Mueang Prison Before Being Released to Return Home
Uncle Yochan Saynoi, a 58-year-old Thai forager detained by Cambodia after illegally crossing the border in late April, was released on May 15 following coordinated diplomatic efforts between Thai and Cambodian authorities through border co
On May 16, 2025, it was reported that following a rescue operation, Mr. Yochan Saynoi, known as "Uncle Yochan," a 58-year-old Thai citizen who was detained by Cambodian authorities after entering the Thai-Cambodian border area to forage, has been safely released. This success resulted from the proactive efforts of the Thai government and armed forces, which closely integrated security and diplomatic operations.
The incident began when Uncle Yochan's family filed a missing person report at Kab Choeng Police Station in Surin province after he disappeared on April 25, 2025, while foraging in the Huay Sam Ruang area near Ban Non Thong, Kok Taqian Subdistrict, Kab Choeng District, Surin—an area adjacent to the Thai-Cambodian border. The government immediately expedited the case due to its sensitive border security implications.
Upon receiving the report, the Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to urgently verify the facts and utilize all channels to assist the Thai national. The Defense Minister then ordered the Army Commander to have the Army Chief of Staff closely oversee the matter, and tasked the Second Army Region to use the Regional Border Committee (RBC) mechanism as the primary channel to coordinate with Cambodia—an effective border cooperation mechanism that helps reduce tensions between the two countries.
Brigadier General Kampanart Waphan Suk, Chief of Staff of the Second Army Region and Thai RBC Chairman, telephoned Maj. Gen. Nid Narong, Deputy Commander of the Fourth Border Defense Force and Cambodian RBC Chairman, before submitting an official letter to Cambodia requesting information about Uncle Yochan's status.
Following verification, the Cambodian side confirmed that Uncle Yochan was indeed detained on charges of illegal entry and was being held at Udon Mueang Provincial Prison. The two sides then maintained continuous coordination through telephone channels and border mechanisms.
Sources indicated that during the 48th ASEAN Leaders' Summit in the Philippines, which the Thai Prime Minister attended, the Foreign Ministry and Defense Ministry accelerated coordination efforts to achieve concrete results swiftly.
Cambodian authorities subsequently announced that Thai consular officials would be permitted to visit on May 14, and later confirmed his release on May 15, 2025, bringing relief to his family and residents of the border area who had been closely following the case.
The rescue mission succeeded when the Thai-Cambodian RBC committee coordinated Uncle Yochan's transfer back to Thailand through the Chong Sam Ngam Checkpoint in Phu Sing District, Sisaket Province, on May 15, 2025. This demonstrated the seamless cooperation among the government, armed forces, and foreign affairs agencies working in unity to protect Thai citizens abroad.
Timeline of Uncle Yochan's rescue from April 25 to May 15, 2025:
April 25, 2025: Uncle Yochan disappeared while foraging in the Huay Sam Ruang area near Ban Non Thong, Kok Taqian Subdistrict, Kab Choeng District, Surin, an area adjacent to the Thai-Cambodian border.
May 10, 2025: News of his disappearance began circulating on social media with posts requesting assistance and ongoing appeals.
May 11, 2025: Confirmation that Uncle Yochan was detained.
