SURIN – An American man has been detained by police in Surin province for taking photographs near a sensitive military airport, amid heightened security alerts along the Thai-Cambodian border. The incident occurred on December 16 after officers from Border Patrol Police Unit 21 raised an alarm over the individual’s suspicious behavior.

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The 46-year-old man, identified as a resident of New Jersey, arrived in Thailand alone and had checked into a hotel in central Surin only the day before his detention. According to authorities, he was wearing a military-style cap and sunglasses while photographing the area near the airport. His actions drew further suspicion when he attempted to leave the scene upon noticing police observation and briefly hid in a public restroom before agreeing to communicate with officers.

Police from Mueang Surin Police Station took the man into custody. He reportedly refused to allow officers to inspect his mobile phone. The incident occurs against a backdrop of tightened security and official warnings about potential foreign espionage linked to the ongoing border conflict with Cambodia.

This case echoes recent tensions in Nakhon Ratchasima province, where Russian nationals were previously accused of espionage—allegations firmly denied by the Russian Embassy, which has called for peaceful relations between Thailand and Cambodia.

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Surin police are continuing their investigation and have not released further details. Authorities stressed the importance of increased vigilance and public awareness regarding unusual activities near military installations and other sensitive sites.

-Thailand News (TN)