Yacht that fled from police in Krabi belongs to Thai resort operators
A Bt20 million-worth yacht, in which suspects of in an illegal spearfishing case brazenly escaped from police in Krabi’s Mu Koh Lanta National Park last Saturday, belonged to a group of Thai resort business operators, a source in the investigation team said on Thursday.
The yacht – which was registered in the Republic of the Marshall Islands – entered Thailand legally at Phuket on May 4 and has not left the country yet. Park officials have contacted the Third Navy Region to look for the boat.
Park chief Kankasem Meesook said on Thursday that park officials had provided additional information to Koh Lanta Police Station investigators to help find Jamnong Asadee, who allegedly piloted the yacht during its escape, with three other suspects aboard.
Police are also trying to find more information about the yacht captain, who is reportedly from Norway, he added.
Last Saturday, park officials found that two people on the yacht, named Is A Kind Of Magic anchored at Koh Ha, were allegedly spearfishing, while two other men and a child were found aboard.
Officials seized equipment, including spears, a GoPro camera, diving equipment and accessories, two buoyancy control devices, a radio communication device and about 10 kilograms of fish, and told the suspects they faced charges of fishing in a restricted park area.
Officials took one of the men about their boat and told the rest to follow in the yacht, but it suddenly changed course and was able to escape.
The only suspect taken into custody was identified as Nakhon Pathom native Waritnan Pronanon, 45. He was granted release on bail at the request of the governor of an unspecified eastern province. No reasons were provided for the release.
Hunting marine life in a restricted national park is punishable by up to five years in prison, a Bt20,000 fine or both, while the charge of resisting arrest is punishable by up to one year in prison, a Bt2,000 fine or both, as well as the impoundment of boat.