BANGKOK: A chilling incident unfolded on the high seas near Koh Ra Island in Phang Nga province, Thailand, witnessed by several people on board.
A Russian tourist has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly throwing his 13-year-old son overboard from a boat in Thailand. The shocking incident occurred at 4pm on Jan 23, 2025, near Koh Ra Island in Phang Nga province.
The boy, a Thai-Russian dual national, was pronounced dead at Kuraburi Chai Pattana Hospital after being rescued from the sea with severe head and facial injuries.
The boy's body showed signs of severe injuries to the face and head, likely caused by the boat's propeller.
Witnesses reported that his father, identified as Artem Bugorskiy, had intentionally picked up the boy and tossed him overboard before jumping in after him.
The boat captain reported that he was transporting 33 tourists back from the Surin Islands, including 17 Thai nationals and 16 foreigners, with a crew of five onboard.
The boat departed from the Surin Islands around 3pm and was about 200m away from the Ra and Phra Thong Islands, approximately 4km from the shore, where the boat was set to anchor to drop off the tourists.
During the journey, the captain observed Bugorskiy leave his seat, walk towards his son, Lucas, and use both hands to grab the boy by the legs and torso. He then pushed Lucas off the left side of the boat, near the bow, into the sea. Following this, Bugorskiy jumped into the water after him.
The captain immediately stopped the boat and assisted both individuals. However, Bugorskiy refused assistance and declined to get back on board. The captain then manoeuvred the boat to where Lucas was floating.
A crew member jumped into the water to rescue the child, bringing him aboard from the rear of the boat.
Upon providing initial first aid, the crew found Lucas to be seriously injured, with wounds to his face and head, suspected to have been caused by the boat's propeller. The captain then steered the boat to the Kuraburi pier, where the injured child was rushed to the hospital.
Bugorskiy has since been arrested and charged with intentional homicide. Despite being informed of his rights, he has denied all allegations. - The Nation/ANN
