Australian woman charged with theft released

Ms. Smoel, who faced five years in jail for allegedly stealing a bar mat, was given a six-month suspended jail term and a 1,000 baht ($30) fine for theft.

Her passport had been returned and she would be allowed to return to Australia.

Formerly, the Melbourne Australian woman was charged with theft and was sitting in a Phuket jail cell.

Annice Smoel said, "I get very scared when I see police. I am just trying to keep it together, so I can get home." Undercover police arrested Smoel in the early morning hours of May 3 for stealing a bar mat as a souvenir.

Patong Police were informed by the owner that Mrs. Smoel stole a bar mat from Phuket's Aussie Bar in the Patong area. Mrs. Smoel spent the next day in a four-meter-by-four meter cell with three other women.

Police had confiscated Smoel's passport. Smoel said while in custody, “I am struggling with a severe language barrier and don't know what will happen next.”

She was facing between two and five years jail and was not given any food for four days according to her lawyer. The result of this case was followed closely as the severity of the punishment might not have been in line with the treatment and possible sentence.