PHUKET, THAILAND – A daring thief made off with a speedboat worth 2.2 million baht from the Asia Marina Pier on Sire Island, Phuket. The vessel, named “Kantee,” was later found abandoned and adrift off Nai Yang Beach. Police are now searching for the unidentified perpetrator.
Nighttime Theft at Asia Marina Pier
On October 7, at around 11:40 p.m., an unusual theft unfolded at the Asia Marina Pier. Surveillance footage revealed an unknown man sneaking onto the pier, boarding the speedboat “Kantee,” untying the anchor, and simply steering the vessel away into the night. The travel agency that owns the boat only discovered the loss the following day, when an employee arrived to refuel the vessel.
Social media users were quick to question the circumstances: “Why was there no security personnel nearby? How could the thief gain access so easily?”
Boat Found Adrift off Nai Yang Beach
Following tips from the public, authorities eventually located the stolen boat abandoned and drifting off Nai Yang Beach. The thief had vanished without a trace, leaving the yacht to its fate. The travel agency promptly recovered the vessel and filed a police report.
The company has appealed for information from the public, urging anyone with leads to call 092-249-1215. So far, police remain in the dark: Who was behind the theft, and what was their motive?
Similar Case in Pattaya
Just weeks earlier, on September 16, three men were arrested in Pattaya for stealing a speedboat—also valued at 2.2 million baht—from a recycling factory owner. One suspect claimed they had purchased the boat legally, but evidence suggested otherwise.
The vessel had been repainted in a workshop, whose owner insisted, “I only repaired the boat, unaware it was stolen.” Was this a classic case of fencing?
Security Gaps at Marinas
The Phuket theft highlights ongoing security shortcomings at Thai marinas, where expensive boats are often stolen with apparent ease. The industry now faces mounting pressure to tighten its security protocols.
One boat owner commented, “We invest millions in our boats, but security is neglected. That needs to change.” Police have promised increased patrols and stricter controls—but will that be enough?
Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses. The thief may have had local knowledge—or could be a professional. The “Kantee” case remains unresolved.
As for the travel agency, they count themselves lucky to have recovered their boat. However, confidence in the safety of Thailand’s marinas has been seriously shaken.