Cambodia Releases Thai Man Detained Near Border

Cambodian authorities have released and repatriated a 58-year-old Thai national, known as "Uncle Yot" (Yot Sainoi), to Thailand following coordinated efforts between regional border committees of both nations. The handover occurred on May 15 at the Chong Sa-ngam border checkpoint in Sisaket province, where Thai military officials received him from Cambodian counterparts. Officials confirmed that Yot appeared to be in good health with no signs of injury upon release. Yot, a resident of Surin province, had been reported missing by his family on April 25 after entering a forest area near the border. Thai authorities later discovered his abandoned motorcycle and initiated a joint search. It was subsequently revealed that Yot had illegally crossed into Cambodia, where he was arrested by Cambodian forces in Oddar Meanchey province. He faced prosecution for illegal entry and trespassing in a military zone before being detained in a provincial prison. The successful repatriation, facilitated by Thailand’s 2nd Army Region and Cambodia’s Border Protection Force 4, is viewed as a positive demonstration of bilateral cooperation aimed at reducing tensions along the shared border.