The 2nd Army Region has revealed a timeline of assisting “Uncle Yon,” a Surin native who got lost after foraging in the forest and unintentionally entered Cambodian territory. He was subsequently charged with illegal entry and military area trespassing. Efforts are underway to coordinate his release from Oddar Meanchey prison.
On 13 May 2026, the 2nd Army Region reported the timeline of Mr. Yon Sainoi, 58, a resident at house number 70, village 7, Kantruet Ramuan subdistrict, Prasat district, Surin province. He had filed a missing person report at Kab Choeng Police Station after going to forage in the forest near Huai Samroeng, close to Non Thong village, Khok Takien subdistrict, Kab Choeng district, Surin. This area is near the Thai-Cambodian border. He has been unreachable since 25 April 2026.
Officials found the missing man's motorcycle parked at the forest edge in that area. They immediately coordinated with security and local administrative agencies to investigate, track, and provide assistance without delay.
Regarding the rescue progress, after coordination with Cambodian authorities, Lt. Col. Pov Peng, head of the border liaison unit at O’Rasamed area, informed Thai officials that Mr. Yon Sainoi had illegally crossed into Cambodian territory and was detained by Cambodian authorities. He was prosecuted in Oddar Meanchey province for illegal entry and military area intrusion and is currently held in the provincial prison there.
The 2nd Army Region is working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Siem Reap monitoring the situation and coordinating consular assistance for him continuously. This ensures he receives humanitarian care and legal process protection. Mr. Yon is reported to be safe following his detention.
The 2nd Army Region informs border area residents that military units in the region have increased security measures, including patrolling, surveillance, and checkpoints along vulnerable border areas to prevent similar incidents and ensure public safety to the fullest extent.
At the same time, the 2nd Army Region requests cooperation from those who need to forage or carry out activities near the border to exercise greater caution and notify military or local administrative officials in advance. This allows proper protection of life and property and reduces the risk of getting lost or unintentionally committing acts that could violate neighboring countries’ laws.