US man held at Nepal border says passport lost in Thailand

A 36-year-old man claiming to be a US citizen was arrested near India's border with Nepal after allegedly attempting to cross without a passport, visa or other identity documents. During questioning, he told police he had travelled to Thailand on a tourist visa and lost his passport there.

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The man identified himself as Jordan Brown, a resident of California, according to Indian authorities. He also reportedly claimed to be a former US Navy officer, though police said his statements are being verified.

Arrest at the Sonauli border

Brown was stopped by personnel from the 22nd Battalion of India's Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) during a routine patrol near border pillar 516 in Mainihwa, within the Sonauli police station area of Maharajganj district, Uttar Pradesh.

Authorities said he was signalled to stop while attempting to enter Nepal. He allegedly tried to run away but was caught by border personnel.

Picture courtesy of NDTV

Siddharth, additional superintendent of police for Maharajganj, said Brown had no valid travel or identity documents when he was detained.

Officers recovered Rs 31,460 in cash and two mobile phones during a search, but said he could not produce a passport, visa or any other valid document. SSB Assistant Commandant Priya Yadav said he was questioned by the border force and other security agencies before being handed to Uttar Pradesh police in Sonauli for legal action.

Thailand travel claim under scrutiny

Police said Brown told them he had entered Thailand on a tourist visa, where he lost his US passport. He allegedly then travelled by sea to Sri Lanka before arriving in India by sea on 2 November 2025.

He had reportedly been living in Goa since then, spending nearly seven months in India without carrying his passport. Police said he later travelled from Goa to Bengaluru and then headed to the Sonauli border intending to enter Nepal.

A case has been registered at Sonauli Police Station under Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, relating to entering India without valid documents. Indian police are verifying Brown's identity, nationality, travel account and other claims.

For foreigners in Thailand, the case is a practical reminder that losing a passport while on a tourist visa does not remove the need for valid documents for onward travel. Visitors who lose a passport should report it promptly, contact their embassy or consulate for guidance on replacement travel documents, and ensure they have the necessary immigration clearance before leaving Thailand or attempting to cross another international border.

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15 July 2026