UBON RATCHATHANI, THAILAND – Three US siblings reunited with a former Thai helper 53 years after he protected them as children during the Vietnam War era.
Childhood near a wartime air base
The siblings Raoul, Lisaree and Mark Butland lived in the early 1970s with their father, an American GI and TV news presenter, at the US Air Force base in Ubon Ratchathani in northeastern Thailand. During that period, their father met Poon Pong-aree, then working as a tricycle driver. Poon, now 80, helped the family find a rental house and arranged places at a private school for the three children during their roughly 13‑month stay.
Muay Thai lessons and a tense trip to Laos
Beyond practical support, Poon became a central figure for the children. Raoul recounted that Poon, who was also a Muay Thai boxer, taught the two boys how to box. One vivid memory for the siblings was a journey to a wedding in neighbouring Laos, where Mark said the family was intimidated by Vietnamese soldiers.
Poon and his wife intervened, brought the family to safety and hid them overnight in a temple before they returned to Ubon Ratchathani the next day. The siblings later described this as the episode in which Poon likely spared them from something far worse.
Decades of silence after return to the US
In 1972 the family returned to the United States, and contact with Poon broke off and could not be restored in the following decades. Mark said they had never forgotten Poon and his family, even after the death of their parents, and that the siblings remained deeply attached to his helpfulness and friendship.
Search for Poon back in Ubon Ratchathani
After more than five decades without news, the siblings decided last year to return to Ubon Ratchathani to search for Poon, without knowing whether he was still alive or where he lived. A local reporter noticed their story and organised volunteers as well as an interpreter to assist in the search.
Breakthrough with help from local mayor
Around three days later came the decisive message from Pittaya Chaisongkram, mayor of Muang district, who informed the siblings that Poon was alive and living in Kanthararom district in Si Sa Ket province. At that time, Mark was in hospital with a broken foot when the mayor handed him her mobile phone, with Poon on the line.
“It was the moment we had been waiting for.”
said Mark Butland, one of the siblings.
Emotional reunion and Isan welcome ritual
Shortly afterwards, the siblings, accompanied by local media, visited Poon at his home, greeting each other with warm embraces in an emotional reunion. In honour of their return, a traditional Isan welcoming ritual was held in which threads were tied around the Americans’ wrists, a regional custom symbolising protection and connection.
The siblings then took Poon to a district hospital so he could undergo a medical check-up. Mark told media they deeply regretted having taken so long to return and thank Poon in person, whom they regarded as a brother of their late father.
Gratitude after half a century
Poon said he was very happy and proud that the three Americans had not forgotten him after all these years. The reunion, more than 50 years after the Vietnam War era, underlined for both sides the enduring impact of support and solidarity across time and borders.