A New Zealand teenager accused of stealing a watch valued at approximately $100 at a Thai airport has been released on bail and reunited with his mother. Loukas Rainger, 18, had been in custody for six days before being granted bail for 100,000 baht (A$4,228.74).
Rainger was stopped by immigration officials at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport last week as he attempted to board a flight home. Thai authorities allege that on July 3, Rainger took a Swatch watch from a security tray at Surat Thani Airport. He spent his first night in a Bangkok police cell before being transferred to a prison in Surat Thani, located 650 kilometers away.
His mother, Natasha, expressed immense relief at their reunion. Rainger had reportedly lost 10 kilograms and had his hair shaved during his time in custody. He faces a court hearing scheduled for September and could still be sentenced to up to five years in prison.
According to Rainger's mother, the alleged victim has agreed to drop the charges. Rainger has issued a written apology to the woman and provided $1,000 in compensation, with the watch also returned. A fundraiser has been established to help cover the family's expenses, including flights, accommodation, and living costs while they remain in Thailand.
As part of his bail conditions, Rainger is required to stay in Thailand and report to the police every two weeks. His mother plans to remain with him in Thailand, where they will be joined by his father and younger brother.
Ms. Rainger stated that her son did not steal the watch with malicious intent, suggesting inexperience and a recent bout of illness led to the incident. She hopes that common sense will prevail in the upcoming legal proceedings. Rainger had been holidaying in Thailand for a month with a friend before the incident, having recently completed school and preparing to start an electrician apprenticeship.