Cambodia frees Thai man arrested while foraging for forest products in April

Cambodia has released an elderly Thai man who was detained by Cambodian officials, after he accidentally ventured into Cambodia while searching for forest products along the common border in Surin on April 25.

The man was taken to Oddar Meanchey province after his arrest to face a charge of illegal entry.

After learning that Yote was in Cambodian custody, the Second Army Region contacted Cambodia’s Fourth Army Region to help in securing his release.

Thailand’s Second Army Region has announced, however, that the 58-year-old Surin resident, Yote Sainoi, was released today by Cambodian officials at the Chong Sa-ngam border crossing in Phu Sing district of Si Sa Ket province. He is in good health and the Thai military will have him taken to his family for a reunion.

The Second Army Region attributed Yote’s release to cooperation between the armies of the two countries under the Regional Border Committee framework.

It also thanked all parties concerned and announced that it will try to strengthen cooperation with its Cambodian counterpart and will continue its humanitarian duties and protection of the Thai people.