Adam Janusz Mielcarek, a 59-year-old Polish historian reported missing in Cambodia for more than a week, has been found alive but in critical condition in Phnom Penh. His family confirmed he was discovered in a city park, robbed of all his belongings and suffering from severe malnutrition and memory loss.

Mielcarek’s sister, Kamila Rind, said he was barely recognisable when locals identified him from social media posts and alerted the family. “He has been found and is in a very bad state. He was robbed. Somebody took everything, including his documents, telephone, shoes, and even glasses,” she explained. “He has lost 15 kilos and is malnourished. We could barely recognise him. He is hospitalised now.”

The historian vanished after travelling from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh on 21 January. His mobile phone was last tracked on 25 January before being deactivated. Authorities had appealed for public help, while his disappearance prompted involvement from the Metropolitan Police in London, Interpol, and Polish diplomatic missions in the region.

Mielcarek, a Polish citizen with UK residency, had been travelling alone. His family had raised concerns about his mental health and the risks he faced. Notices were circulated widely across Polish communities in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand, countries he had previously visited.

His discovery has brought relief but also urgent questions. How he came to be robbed and left in such a state remains unclear, and his amnesia means he cannot recall the events leading to his disappearance. Cambodian authorities are now urging anyone with information about his movements during the missing week to come forward.

For his family, the priority is his recovery. “We are grateful he is alive,” Rind said, “but we hope the truth of what happened will also come to light.”

At present, Mielcarek remains in hospital in Phnom Penh, as investigations continue into the circumstances of his ordeal.

-2026-02-11

Hope he recovers strongly!

Get well soon young man.

The locasl beat another paedophile?

<deleted> happens.

13 minutes ago, emptypockets said:

The locasl beat another paedophile?

<deleted> happens.

Is that fact or are you just yelling mindless abuse

Sorry, the story doesn't add up.

He was robbed and so he is malnourished and has amnesia?

Unless he was taken hostage, he must have been on the ground somewhere and someone would have called an ambulance if he was unconscious?

Hua Hin is more friendly. He choose the wrong spot.