Thai Man Held by Cambodia Near Surin Border

Thai authorities are coordinating with Cambodia after a 58-year-old Thai man who disappeared while foraging near the Surin border was confirmed to have been detained by Cambodian soldiers for illegal entry and transferred to court proceedings in Oddar Meanchey province.

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Prayot Sainoi, also known locally as “Uncle Yot”, vanished on 26 April 2026 after travelling to search for forest products near Huai Samreng reservoir in Khok Takhian subdistrict, Kap Choeng district, Surin province, close to the Thai-Cambodian border. His disappearance prompted concern among relatives and villagers, who feared he had been detained across the border.

Thai military officials later confirmed that Cambodian authorities had taken Prayot into custody after he crossed into Cambodian territory. Major General Boonserm Boonbamrung, commander of the Suranaree Task Force, said Thai agencies were coordinating with Cambodian counterparts to arrange assistance and legal procedures for his return.

Local residents in the border area questioned claims that Prayot had accidentally wandered into Cambodia. Wijit Sudsamrit, 64, said villagers familiar with the forest and mushroom gathering routes would normally know the boundary areas well, especially experienced foragers. She added that residents had become increasingly reluctant to enter forest areas following recent tensions along the border.

Police in Kap Choeng district said authorities had been aware of the case from the beginning but handled it carefully due to security concerns linked to the sensitive border situation. Pol Col Khamphon Nonnuch, superintendent of Kap Choeng Police Station, said police, soldiers and local officials had visited the family shortly after the disappearance and had coordinated continuously with Cambodian authorities.

Picture courtesy of Amarin

Officials confirmed that Prayot had entered forest land near Ban Khok Chanriew in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province, where he was detained by Cambodian soldiers and charged with illegal entry. Thai officials said he is currently undergoing legal proceedings at Oddar Meanchey Provincial Court.

On 10 May 2026, senior police, district officials and Thai military officers inspected the area where Prayot reportedly parked his motorcycle before entering the forest. Thai military representatives later confirmed that Cambodian authorities had located him and that formal coordination for his return was ongoing.

Amarin reported that the case has renewed attention on long-standing sensitivities along sections of the Thai-Cambodian border, where local villagers frequently gather forest products in areas close to disputed or unclear boundary lines. Thai authorities said coordination efforts would continue until Prayot completes legal proceedings and is formally returned to Thailand.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 12 May 2026