The teenager’s father, Mark Rainger, had since arrived in Thailand and would accompany his “anxious and traumatised” son to court.
Pronk said the family hoped Thai authorities would accept that Rainger’s actions were neither planned nor malicious.
“We hope they see his error was not planned or malicious. That his financial compensation and apology is enough,” she wrote.
A Tauranga teenager accused of stealing a watch from a Thai airport has described the “nightmare” conditions he endured during six days in prison as he awaits trial. Photo / Natasha Rainger
Rainger acknowledged he picked up the watch from the security tray at Surat Thani Airport but denies intending to steal it.
Today’s court appearance is the latest stage in an ordeal that has turned his overseas holiday into a prolonged stay in Thailand involving arrest, imprisonment and strict bail conditions.
The incident occurred in early July when Rainger and a school friend were passing through security at Surat Thani Airport.
Rainger picked up a watch that had been left in a security tray and continued his holiday, unaware that an arrest warrant had been issued.
Two weeks later, immigration officials stopped him at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport as he attempted to board a flight home to New Zealand.
Rainger told Stuff he was handcuffed and taken on a 10-hour train journey back to Surat Thani to face the allegation.
He was charged with an offence described as “theft at an airport”, carrying a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment if convicted.
Rainger spent six days in Surat Thani Prison before being released on bail of 100,000 Thai baht, about $5000.
Loukas Rainger is in Surat Thani prison. Photo / Givealittle
Speaking to Stuff, he described his time in prison as a “nightmare”.
Rainger told the outlet he was held with about 20 other men, including gang members and other serious offenders. He had his head shaved, washed from a bucket in front of other prisoners and slept on a hard floor with a single blanket.
He said the heat and a lack of appetite contributed to him losing about 10kg during his six days in custody.
Since being granted bail, Rainger has been required to remain in Thailand, live near the prison and report to authorities every two weeks while the case proceeds.
His extended stay has left his family facing mounting legal fees and living costs. A Givealittle page was established to help meet those expenses, which has raised almost $8000 by this morning.