Surin: The 2nd Army Area released photos of "Uncle Yot" after his arrest in Cambodia, along with a timeline detailing his entry into the border forest before being found detained for illegally entering Cambodia and subsequently imprisoned in Udon Mechai prison. The army stated that it coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the police to provide close assistance and care.
According to Thai News Agency, on May 13, 2026, the 2nd Army Region announced the timeline of the disappearance of Mr. Yot Sainoi, 58 years old, a resident of house number 70, Village No. 7, Kantru Ramuan Subdistrict, Prasat District, Surin Province. He had filed a missing person report with the Kab Choeng Police Station, seeking assistance after going into the forest to forage in the Huai Samroeng area, near Ban Non Thong, Khok Takian Subdistrict, Kab Choeng District, Surin Province, an area near the Thai-Cambodian border, and had been unreachable since April 25, 2026.
Authorities discovered the missing person's motorcycle parked in the wooded area and immediately coordinated with local security and administrative agencies to investigate, locate, and provide assistance.
Regarding the progress in assisting the Thai citizen, following coordination with the Cambodian side, Colonel Pov Pheng, head of the border coordination unit in the Or Semet area, informed the Thai side that Mr. Yot Saynoi illegally crossed the border into the Kingdom of Cambodia and was arrested by Cambodian authorities. He was then sent to Udon Mechai province for prosecution on charges of illegal entry and trespassing on military territory. He is currently being held in Udon Mechai Provincial Prison.
The 2nd Army Region has been coordinating closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Consulate-General in Siem Reap, monitoring the situation and providing continuous consular assistance to the individual to ensure he receives humanitarian care and is subject to relevant legal procedures. Uncle Yot is safe after being detained.
The 2nd Army Area would like to inform the public in the border areas that military units in the region have increased security measures, including patrols, surveillance, and the establishment of checkpoints in high-risk areas along the border, in order to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of the public to the best of their ability.
"We request cooperation from the public who need to enter forests to forage or engage in activities near the border to exercise increased caution and notify military or local administrative officials in advance. This will ensure their safety and the security of their property, reducing the risk of getting lost or engaging in activities that may be illegal in neighboring countries," a source stated.