24-1-2025 (BANGKOK) A 45-year-old Russian national allegedly threw his teenage son overboard a tourist speedboat, leading to the youth’s tragic death.
Lucas Bugorskiy, 13, succumbed to severe injuries sustained from a boat propeller following the incident near Koh Rae in Phangnga’s Khura Buri district. The boy, who was of mixed Thai-Russian heritage, was rushed to Kuraburi Chaipat Hospital but medical staff were unable to save his life.
The incident occurred approximately 200 metres from the mainland as the vessel was returning tourists from Mu Ko Surin to Khura Buri pier. Witnesses aboard the speedboat reported that Artem Bugorskiy suddenly left his seat, grabbed his son, and threw him into the sea before jumping in himself.
According to the vessel’s captain, the boat was carrying a mixed group of 33 tourists – comprising 17 Thai nationals and 16 foreigners – alongside five crew members when the incident occurred at approximately 4pm on Wednesday. Crew members’ attempts to assist were reportedly rebuffed by the father, who continued to float in the water.
Following desperate attempts to rescue the boy, crew members managed to retrieve him from the water, but he had already sustained critical injuries to his head and face from contact with the boat’s propeller.
Thai authorities have taken Mr Bugorskiy into custody, where he faces charges of intentional murder. Sources close to the investigation indicate that the accused has denied all charges.
