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US Man Detained After Taking Photos Near Military Airport

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Picture courtesy of Thai Rat | via The Thaiger

 

On December 16, officers in Surin detained an American man for taking photos near a military airport. Border Patrol Police Unit 21 raised an alarm due to his suspicious behaviour, which led to his detention by Mueang Surin Police Station officers. The man, who refused to have his mobile phone inspected, was wearing a military-style cap and sunglasses at the time.

 

The 46-year-old, identified as hailing from New Jersey, entered Thailand alone and had only checked into a Surin city centre hotel on December 15. His actions drew concern as he attempted to leave the area upon noticing a police observation, further raising suspicions. After initially hiding in a public bathroom, he eventually agreed to communicate with officers.

 

Amid tightened security, the incident follows a warning about a potential foreign spy linked to Cambodia. The incident in Surin mirrors previous tensions in Nakhon Ratchasima, where Russian nationals faced accusations of espionage. However,the Russian Embassy dismissed these claims, advocatingd for peace between Thailand and Cambodia.

 

Police in Surin continue investigations and have not released any new details but stressed ongoing concerns about foreign surveillance activities. Officers emphasise increased vigilance and community awareness when monitoring unusual behaviour near sensitive military sites, according to The Thaiger.

 

image.jpeg

Picture courtesy of Thai Rat | via The Thaiger

 

Key Takeaways

 

  • An American man was detained for photographing near a military airport.
  • The detention follows increased security due to espionage concerns.
  • No new developments have been reported by Surin police.
     

image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-12-17

 

 

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16 hours ago, webfact said:

wearing a military-style cap

 

?

Eh, he was taking pics of the jets. Nothing illegal here.

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21 hours ago, webfact said:

However,the Russian Embassy dismissed these claims, advocating for peace between Thailand and Cambodia.

.... and Ukraine

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Taking photos.........then

""After initially hiding in a public bathroom, he eventually agreed to communicate with officers.""

 

Makes you wonder what was going on.

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1 minute ago, deesquared said:

Eh, he was taking pics of the jets. Nothing illegal here.

There are no jets in Surin, only helicopters.

It has been an Army airfield since the military conflict with Cambodia several years ago. Previously it was a civilian airport.

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Up to no good. 

All those who furtively photographed the ajirport strip during the last Elephant Show should be looking over their shoulders.

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"After initially hiding in a public bathroom, he eventually agreed to communicate with officers." 

 

Of course he would now....he's already  deleted the photos in the bathroom......not hard to figure out!

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5 hours ago, smedly said:

 

?

"wearing a military-style cap"

 

And sunglasses!!:smile:

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29 minutes ago, edwardflory said:

Taking photos.........then

""After initially hiding in a public bathroom, he eventually agreed to communicate with officers.""

 

Makes you wonder what was going on.

probably taking a dump

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5 hours ago, smedly said:

 

?

yes, he is a Cambodian dressed as an american wearing  an american spy hat,he rushed to the toilet and swallowed his phone. 

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Probably preparing a war series for his daily broadcast. No idea of what the local security people might think about that.

 

Morons proliferate on the Net.

5 hours ago, smedly said:

wearing a military-style cap

 

That qualifies as an asset. ?

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40 minutes ago, edwardflory said:

Taking photos.........then

""After initially hiding in a public bathroom, he eventually agreed to communicate with officers.""

 

Makes you wonder what was going on.

He must be the guy my village head man warned me about

If it turns out he is with the CIA then 20 years for spying.

1 hour ago, mushroomdave said:

"After initially hiding in a public bathroom, he eventually agreed to communicate with officers." 

 

Of course he would now....he's already  deleted the photos in the bathroom......not hard to figure out!

I’m suspicious of anyone who doesn’t smile and bow and immediately approach police! Probably a crazy lefty who sides w Cambodia 

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The American obviously wasn't transparent. If he had nothing to hide, why hide 

in a bathroom and refuse access to his phone ? 

1 hour ago, edwardflory said:

Taking photos.........then

""After initially hiding in a public bathroom, he eventually agreed to communicate with officers.""

 

Makes you wonder what was going on.

Ah checking the septic tank!

🤣🤣🤣🎣🚀

Definitely Cambodian Spy. Unibomber glasses and fake nose covering his Cambodian nose

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what a jerk ! But when I read his nationality... not surprised !

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2 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

"wearing a military-style cap"

 

And sunglasses!!:smile:

what an idiot !

I doubt we need to send some dude with a cell phone to find out what's going on in an airport somewhere. Look up in the sky and wave kiddies, we are watching 

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You will be refused entry in the US if you don't allow your phone to be searched. Kick him out.

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Probably just some idiot youtuber/influencer who fancies himself as a reporter on conflict. Either that or just plain ignorant. So many visit other countries and don't bother to do the slightest bit of research on customs, culture, language and bans on photography round military aspects etc. It's exactly the same in Greece regarding taking pics anywhere near military sites. Other countries too so it's not even just Thailand where this is prohibited.

Lightweight war tourist trying to get more likes.

 

Obviously Donetsk, Gaza & El Fasher were not on his radar as room service was not on the menu.

 

 

...I Would Say 'Definitely Dig A Little Deeper'...(?)

...Arms Dealing Is A Despicable Profession...

 

 

34 minutes ago, Briggsy said:

Lightweight war tourist trying to get more likes.

 

Obviously Donetsk, Gaza & El Fasher were not on his radar as room service was not on the menu.

 

 

No bar girls either.

3 hours ago, Toby1947 said:

Paranoid, they've got nowt to spy on.🤣😂

Rather a daft comment............🤫

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