Swiss student tourist Janisch out on bail

PHUKET: A Swiss national held by Ranong Immigration since December 25 on charges of stealing an officer’s camera was released on bail yesterday after her mother appeared in Ranong Court to post 130,000-baht bail bond.

Unaware that her daughter, Tscherina Nora Janisch, was being held in a Thai prison north of Phuket, Elizabeth Maria Janisch initially reported Tscherina as missing when she hadn’t heard from her in three weeks (story here).

Tscherina, 22, must present herself in court every 30 days and is not allowed to travel out of Thailand until her case is settled.

Ranong immigration officers have charged Tscherina with stealing a camera while they were processing her arrest for refusing to pay a fine for overstaying her visa by three days.

Although initially concerned that officers might be spreading incorrect and unflattering information about her daughter, Mrs Janisch told the Phuket Gazette, “When I arrived in Ranong I realized that I was wrong, as the officers have been very good to me and my daughter.”

“I have received a lot of help from them in dealing with the relevant organizations and they are taking good care of us,” she explained.

Mrs Janisch also expressed her gratitude to the judge for granting her daughter’s bail, as she believes the theft accusation is the result of a misunderstanding between the officers, her daughter and the interpreter.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong