An American tourist accused of drunkenly stealing a speedboat from a Koh Phi Phi pier and causing a small fortune’s worth of damage was in custody today and on his way back to face the music.
Immigration police intercepted the 25-year-old vacationer at Suvarnabhumi Airport while he was trying to leave the country last night, the same day a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Parker Bishop, who was arrested and held by airport immigration police, is set to be transported down to Krabi later today, Lt. Col. Thongchai Matithan, head Phi Phi investigator told Coconuts Bangkok.
He is expected to arrive at about 8:30pm.
Police said Bishop stole a speedboat from Loh Dalam beach on the Krabi province island at around 11:30pm on Friday – the same day he checked into a hotel with six other friends. It probably wasn’t hard for him to do as the owner had left the keys in the ignition when he docked the boat there earlier – which, to be honest, seems like a pretty terrible idea.
Witnesses said Bishop seemed sauced to the gills as he headed out on his aquatic joyride.
“A long boat driver witnessed him drunkenly drive the boat away. He said he tried to stop him, but it didn’t work,” Thongchai said.
The speedboat was found abandoned the next morning in front of the Holiday Inn Hotel at Laem Tong Beach – some 15 kilometers from where it had been berthed. Its engine and hull had been damaged and badly scratched.
The total cost of repairs to the million-baht vessel were estimated at THB350,000 (about US$11,000.)
Thongchai said that after leaving the boat, Bishop was spotted wandering into the hotel and asking the receptionist that timeless philosophical question: “Where am I?”
Hoping to receive assistance, the suspected boat bandit showed the receptionist his passport – an amateur move for someone about to make a run for it.
Police believe Bishop fled to Ao Nang Beach that afternoon and then Bangkok the next day.
It wasn’t hard for the cops to identify Bishop for his reckless outing left a trail of breadcrumbs. After the speedboat owner went to the police, it was simply a matter of talking to witnesses and checking the CCTVs to track Bishop’s journey into grand theft speedboat, including his arrival at the Holiday Inn. He was identified by Saturday.
He wasn’t seen again until yesterday at Suvarnabhumi, where he was promptly arrested. Police in Krabi said they plan to question Bishop for possible prosecution upon his arrival tonight.
He faces a charge of property damage for which the boat owner wants to be compensated.
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