He was later released on bail and, following a court hearing in July, fined 50,000 baht (approximately £1,137) and deported.
Speaking to MailOnline, Michelle Swain described the experience as “hell,” expressing deep skepticism over the circumstances of the arrest.
“He got through Heathrow and Dubai without issue, and then suddenly this bag appears in Thailand?” she said. “He had his passport out the whole time — I find it very strange.”
Swain believes her son may have been targeted in a scam designed to extort money from tourists, a suspicion she says is supported by similar stories shared with her by others.
