Yes CW was cool for me too. 1 hour but all together ... no questions asked. 1 year straight. I was there last month. Missed some xerox work but, she did it on her table itself. Wanted only bank letter. Checked TM 30 and 90 days reporting, all was done right so nothing more. Yes this group is very useful.
Were you with him when the boat tipped? Who informed you that his phone and wallet are not with him? Why involve Bangkok? Possible that he does not want to be contacted?
Is he being deported to stand trial in Thailand? If so, the cops will pick him at the airport ... more likely from the door of the airplane. The law will dictate the rest.