The watch that cost a backpacker his freedom in Thailand
An 18-year-old New Zealand backpacker was arrested in Thailand for picking up a watch left behind at airport security. Thai law shows no mercy for such mistakes.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Picking up a forgotten watch at a Thai airport can cost you dearly
On 3 July, Loukas Rainger, an 18-year-old from New Zealand, was detained at Surat Thani airport in Thailand for picking up a woman's watch from the security tray. His mother insists it was an innocent mistake. The young man faces theft charges in a country where the law shows no mercy for such confusion.
The difference between a mistake and a crime in Thailand
While in Spain an apology would have sufficed, in Thailand the owner's report triggers incivil proceedings that can lead to prison sentences of several years. Thai law makes no distinction between intentional theft and taking something by mistake: if you pick up something that isn't yours, you face the consequences.
Corruption is another factor. According to sources in the debate, the Thai justice system is open to money: with enough funds, a favourable verdict or a reduced sentence can be "bought". Treatment varies by nationality: US citizens pay bail up to four times higher than Europeans.
Comparisons with other countries
Some travellers point out that airports in Colombia or Australia also carry the risk of being set up, but in Thailand the consequence is disproportionate. Loukas's case is not isolated: in 2010, Spaniard Nieves García Alcaraz was sentenced to life imprisonment for methamphetamine trafficking, before being pardoned by King Juan Carlos. Without money or connections, there is almost no way out.
The sarracena is clear: if you find something of value in Thailand, don't touch it. The line between a slip-up and a conviction is far too thin, and the system shows no leniency towards tourists.
On 3 July, Loukas Rainger, an 18-year-old from New Zealand, was detained at Surat Thani airport in Thailand for picking up a woman's watch from the security tray. His mother insists it was an innocent mistake. The young man faces theft charges in a country where the law shows no mercy for such confusion.
The difference between a mistake and a crime in Thailand
While in Spain an apology would have sufficed, in Thailand the owner's report triggers incivil proceedings that can lead to prison sentences of several years. Thai law makes no distinction between intentional theft and taking something by mistake: if you pick up something that isn't yours, you face the consequences.
Corruption is another factor. According to sources in the debate, the Thai justice system is open to money: with enough funds, a favourable verdict or a reduced sentence can be "bought". Treatment varies by nationality: US citizens pay bail up to four times higher than Europeans.
Comparisons with other countries
Some travellers point out that airports in Colombia or Australia also carry the risk of being set up, but in Thailand the consequence is disproportionate. Loukas's case is not isolated: in 2010, Spaniard Nieves García Alcaraz was sentenced to life imprisonment for methamphetamine trafficking, before being pardoned by King Juan Carlos. Without money or connections, there is almost no way out.
The sarracena is clear: if you find something of value in Thailand, don't touch it. The line between a slip-up and a conviction is far too thin, and the system shows no leniency towards tourists.
Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (17 replies).
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