AN AUSTRALIAN who allegedly stole a pair of Rayban sunglasses from the duty free shop at Phuket International Airport is now free and awaiting a hearing of the charge against him.

Gilman Ferreira Martins, 31, was arrested in the departure lounge at the airport on January 5. He has since spent seven days in Phuket Prison and was freed on 100,000 bail on January 14.

Yesterday Mr Martins' case was adjourned in Phuket Provincial Court for 12 days to allow police to properly prepare the case against him, although Phuketwan understands Mr Martins has been advised to plead guilty.

An adjournment of 12 days is standard in courts in Thailand, and it means Mr Martins has to adjust his plans to return to Australia and resume his regular life after his Phuket holiday accordingly.

This means the circumstances of the alleged theft on January 5 are likely to be determined in court on January 31.

Suggestions that a special court be established to speed cases against tourists visiting Phuket were rejected in 2009 because the principle in Thailand is that the law applies to everyone.

The complicating factor for Mr Martins and other like him is that ultimately, the fine for stealing the sunglasses, if he pleads guilty and is convicted, is likely to be small.

However, the additional penalty in cancelled flights, additional accommodation, legal fees, changes in work arrangements and the trips to Phuket by concerned relatives is likely to multiply the amount Mr Martins and his relatives have to pay by perhaps 100 times, or even more.

The case has created considerable interest among Phuket expats and visitors and is likely to be raised when Phuket's honorary consuls meet with Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha and other Phuket leaders next month.