Police in Krabi filed charges against Yothin Suepsak after additional questioning following his transfer from police in Thalang district in Phuket, Thai Rath Online reported.
Pol Col Sompong Thipapakul, superintendent of Muang Krabi police station, quoted the skipper as saying he had unintentionally struck the tourist off Koh Poda as the area where the accident took place was not zoned for snorkelling.
The charges carry the maximum penalty of four years in jail and a B20,000 fine.
Boonchao Tangsiripaisal, director of the Marine Department’s Krabi office, who joined the interrogation, said more safety measures will come out for visitors and boat drivers, especially in areas arranged for diving and snorkelling.
Mr Yothin piloted the So Cool 1 boat, operated by Amazing Canoeing Group Co Ltd, to Phuket after hitting the 52-year-old French woman, who was with a group of snorkelers in the area at the time.
He and his only crewmember, Maling El Aee, were arrested in Thalang district in Phuket after the vessel reached the resort island. (See story here)
It is still unknown whether his assistant was not charged or not.
Read original story here.