Stolen Fishing Boat Sinks After Pursuit Off Phuket’s Nai Yang Beach

A fishing boat stolen near the fish market at Nai Yang Beach in Thalang was pursued by local fishermen and police before sinking in the open sea, leaving its owner facing the loss of an essential livelihood tool.

Witnesses said a man suddenly took the moored vessel and sped away from shore, causing panic among residents. Some initially believed the suspect was a foreign tourist, but police later identified him as 22-year-old Mr. Piyawat, a Thai man from Lampang Province who has mental health issues.

Local fishermen joined officers from Sakhu Police Station in launching boats to pursue the vessel. They intercepted it, secured the situation and arrested the suspect before bringing him back to shore for questioning.

The boat later began taking on water and sank. Investigators said the suspect had started only the main engine and had not activated the bilge pump, allowing seawater to flood the vessel until it capsized. Although the suspect was apprehended, the boat’s loss caused a serious financial and emotional blow to its owner.