The partner of an Australian woman tragically killed in a Phuket jet-ski accident will be charged with reckless driving causing death.
Police said Thomas Keating, 22, will face charges after his jet-ski careered into another one ridden by girlfriend Emily Jayne Collie.
He told police strong sunlight reflecting from the water obliterated his view moments before impact.
He suffered only minor injuries while Miss Collie was pronounced dead a short while later at hospital.
"Ms Collie’s boyfriend, Mr Keating, who was driving the other jet-ski when they collided, will face a charge of reckless driving causing death," Thai police lieutenant Patiwat Yodkhwan told reporters.
The accident took place in the popular Phuket resort of Kata Beach.
Lieutenant Patiwat added the jet-ski operator has waived his right to claimed compensation for the damaged jet-skis as he ‘wants Phuket to have a good reputation as a holiday destination.’
The Phuket jet-ski industry suffered for many years over a reputation for scams, such as verbal and sometimes physical threats to pay up for non-existent damage.
However this had improved in recent times after local authorites cracked down.
Accidents still occur occasionally. Under Thai law, all jet-ski users must hold a license but this is widely overlooked to allow tourists to rent them.
