KRABI — Police have arrested a 25-year-old Austrian man, identified only as David, in connection with a fatal jet ski collision that claimed the life of a Russian tourist at Karon Beach, Phuket. The incident occurred on December 17, 2024, when 58-year-old Kirill was swimming near Sue Puen Mon Bai restaurant.
Initially thought to be a drowning, witness accounts and CCTV footage revealed that a speeding jet ski struck the victim before fleeing the scene. Local fishermen discovered the victim’s body shortly after midnight on December 18. At first, authorities couldn’t identify the deceased, but a hotel-branded beach towel left on the shore led them to confirm he was a Russian tourist who had been traveling alone.
Further investigation of CCTV footage from a nearby hotel showed two foreigners riding jet skis in the area. Local jet ski rental operators identified the vessels as belonging to “Chao Mai” company, which had rented out three jet skis (numbers 5, 10, and 12) during the time of the incident.
Jets #5 and #12 were rented by two foreigners traveling together. Upon inspection, jet ski #5 showed scratches and paint damage on its front section, while #12 had no damage. The investigation revealed that jet ski #5 was operated by Mr. David, an Austrian national.
Following an intensive investigation, police tracked the suspect to a resort on Phi Phi Island in Krabi province. A joint operation involving Phi Phi Island Police, Karon Police, Immigration officials, and Tourist Police led to the arrest at approximately 6:30 PM on December 19.
Police Colonel Surasak Jaidee, superintendent of Phi Phi Island Police Station, led the arrest team with a warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court. The suspect faces charges of reckless endangerment resulting in death, though he currently denies all allegations. He has been transferred to Karon Police Station for further investigation.
__________
Related report:
