British Police Seek Dna Test On Academic In Connection With Abuse And Murder Of Backpacker In Thailand

[Lite Beer]

British police seek DNA test on academic in connection with rape and murder of backpacker in Thailand

Police in Thailand have been asked to DNA test a university professor in connection with the murder and rape of backpacker Kirsty Jones nearly 11 years ago.

The request to Thailand’s Department of Investigation has been made by Dyfed-Powys police after an Australia national formerly resident in the northern capital of Chiang Mai fingered the professor in a video he put up on Youtube.

Embassy sources in Bangkok said for the peace of mind of Kirsty’s family in Tredomen, Brecon they wished to ‘end this line of enquiry’. A member of the Serious Organised Crime Agency was collaborating with the DSI.

The Australian national claims that the professor was one of two Thai men seen lurking outside the Aree Guest House where Kirsty was staying at the time of her murder in August 2000.

The other man, a Thai Tourist Police Officer has already been DNA tested and did not match the suspect.

He said he would not remove the video until the British Embassy oversaw the DNA testing of the professor, whom he - Full story and pictures at this link http://www.andrew-drummond.com/view-story.php?sid=423

--Andrew Drummond-2011-07-23--

[Steely Dan]

Hmmm, This one will not go away and is becoming increasingly difficult to bury. I have for a while thought that Thailand needs to be seen to raise it's game in terms of the criminal justice system or it would eventually suffer some serious blowback for it's disinterest. From this case as well as a few others such as the C.M 'food poisonings' I suspect such a time is rapidly approaching.

[EyesWideOpen]

I have enough reason to believe he killed the Welsh lady back in 2000. He is the younger brother of the Inspector of Tourist Police at the time of the murder..

From the Andrew Drummond article.... Soooooo I guess this case will never be solved..

[richieudon]

Shocking! I'm really shocked. What a shock! This NEVER happens in Thailand.... shocked to say the least....yawn......

[animatic]

From the linked A.D. article

"British police are cautious of the latest 'lead'. The claims come from a foreigner who became totally disenfranchised with the country after his stay here and may be mendacious."

Uh, Andrew, is this a quote?

You might want to edit to disenchanted, seems the sense meant. I don't think the foreigner lost his vote in Thailand.

Odd they get mendacious right, but disenfranchised wrong.

Not taking the piss, just noting it seems a bit off.

Regards

Edited July 25, 2011 by animatic

[andrewdrummond]

This chap had many issues more serious than pure disenchantment. He believes he had lost the right to live here in relation to his actions. Point taken though. No. Its not a quote.

[housepainter]

There is no hope of petty crime being dealt with effectively by the thai police. They will not take a complaint seriously, act impartially or investigate any crime to any standard that approaches the acceptable.

Clearly, the standards we enjoy in the West do not apply in Thailand.

That is petty crime.

Therefore, when it comes to murder, to the need for actual policing methods to be applied professionally, there's isn't any possibility whatsoever that this can be done.

What is staggering is that despite the fact that a UK Police Force, supported by a British Government instructing its embassy to facilitate the matter at the highest level, and with the acquisition of DNA, the thai authorities fail to comply.

This causes a complete failure in relations and the observance that thailand is useless, backward and totally dishonest. It is a place where no law applies. Worse still it is a place where there are no powers to force the compliance of another country's wishes. That may be a controversial point but the reality is that when developed nations seek non-politcal co-operation, lesser nations are wise to comply.

And yet, the Thai government can not deliver a DNA test on a suspect because they are related to a low ranking police officer.

I return to the issue of petty crime. The stuff that is most likely to impact the average tourist. When you are involved in an accident, or victim of fraud or theft consider what will be the outcome in a land where the law does not apply.

it is an appalling situation and one that will shock so many only when they are hit by it.

Hide from the reality that Thailand is a dangerous and lawless place where foreigners are targetted systematically if you will. But this dog is one that will bite indiscriminately.

[Ulysses G.]

Andy Gil and Mem used to live just down the hall from me, but didn't he have a different girlfriend when all of this happened? The way that I remember hearing it was the other girlfriend was the one who took his parent's money and Mem ended up helping him, rather than cheating him.

[siampolee]

This is the original report from The Independent at the time of the incident. There were indeed grounds to suspect all was not as it should be in the original investigation.

British man charged over killing in Thailand

By Sarah Strickland in Bangkok

Wednesday, 13 September 2000.

A British man was charged yesterday with raping and conspiring to murder Kirsty Jones, the Welsh backpacker found strangled in a guesthouse in northern Thailand last month.

A British man was charged yesterday with raping and conspiring to murder Kirsty Jones, the Welsh backpacker found strangled in a guesthouse in northern Thailand last month.

Andrew Gill, co-owner of the Aree Guesthouse in Chiang Mai where Ms Jones, 23, was found, was already in police custody when he was told of the charges. He was arrested a few days after the murder whenpolice discovered his Thai visa had expired.

Mr Gill, 32, from Lewisham, south London, has denied any involvement with the murder, claiming he was not at the guesthouse on the night Ms Jones was killed. But police say they have DNA evidence that links him to the crime. If found guilty, he could face the death penalty

Full story:

http://www.independe...and-699469.html

Edited July 25, 2011 by cdnvic
Edited to fair-use guidelines

[Flatouthruthefog]

Andy Gil and Mem used to live just down the hall from me, but didn't he have a different girlfriend when all of this happened? The way that I remember hearing it was the other girlfriend was the one who took his parent's money and Mem ended up helping him, rather than cheating him.

Quite correct. Andy and Mem had already split up, she ejecting him because of his drinking. The (very recent) new girlfriend was with him in the police station when he was charged.

Money sent by Andy's father went - somewhere - and both the police and the public prosecutor blamed each other. The police forced Mem to display the correct amount in public to prove they had not taken it. She had to scratch around among all her friends to borrow huge amounts for just a few hours to have that photo taken.

She's a sincere, blameless person and i wish her all the best.

Andy was a likeable fool, certainly not a rapist or murderer. I do hope the right man is proved guilty, but only DNA can do that now. Under independent supervision. IF that is allowed.

[chaoyang]

As I recall it, following the payment by Andy's father to secure his release, Andy arrived in Britain and promptly sold his story to one of the tabloids -- that corrupt officials arrested him and then accepted money to let him go.

Mem, still in Chiang Mai, was coerced into saying she had the money, which she scraped together by short-term loans from friends around town. Once the corruption allegation blew over, the money was returned and the grotesque coverup continued. This is now 11 years ago.

Andy, Mem and the rest of the staff at the Aree Guesthouse were also victims in all this and certainly were not involved in the murder Kirtsy Jones.

[Ulysses G.]

Andy Gil and Mem used to live just down the hall from me, but didn't he have a different girlfriend when all of this happened? The way that I remember hearing it was the other girlfriend was the one who took his parent's money and Mem ended up helping him, rather than cheating him.

Quite correct. Andy and Mem had already split up, she ejecting him because of his drinking. The (very recent) new girlfriend was with him in the police station when he was charged.

Money sent by Andy's father went - somewhere - and both the police and the public prosecutor blamed each other. The police forced Mem to display the correct amount in public to prove they had not taken it. She had to scratch around among all her friends to borrow huge amounts for just a few hours to have that photo taken.

She's a sincere, blameless person and i wish her all the best.

Andy was a likeable fool, certainly not a rapist or murderer. I do hope the right man is proved guilty, but only DNA can do that now. Under independent supervision. IF that is allowed.

I am glad that you confirmed that. You are one person who would know for sure due to your long involvement in journalism in CM. I always liked Mem and besides that, she was quite hot in her time.

That part of the article should be changed as she was one of the only good "guys" in the whole thing.

Edited July 26, 2011 by Ulysses G.

[chaoyang]

Published Aug. 6:

THIS Wednesday, in a small graveyard in a quiet corner of Powys, the family of murdered backpacker Kirsty Jones will gather together to mark the anniversary of her death.

It will be 11 years since the 23-year-old Liverpool University graduate was raped and murdered in a hostel in Chiang Mai, Thailand, three months into what was supposed to be a dream round-the-world trip.

But, despite numerous leads, DNA tests and witness interviews, Thai police have yet to find the person responsible for her death.

Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/08/06/mother-of-murdered-kirsty-jones-i-ll-never-stop-fighting-to-find-killer-91466-29189757/#ixzz1UPT1W3os

[Colin Yai]

There is no hope of petty crime being dealt with effectively by the thai police. They will not take a complaint seriously, act impartially or investigate any crime to any standard that approaches the acceptable.

Clearly, the standards we enjoy in the West do not apply in Thailand.

That is petty crime.

Therefore, when it comes to murder, to the need for actual policing methods to be applied professionally, there's isn't any possibility whatsoever that this can be done.

What is staggering is that despite the fact that a UK Police Force, supported by a British Government instructing its embassy to facilitate the matter at the highest level, and with the acquisition of DNA, the thai authorities fail to comply.

This causes a complete failure in relations and the observance that thailand is useless, backward and totally dishonest. It is a place where no law applies. Worse still it is a place where there are no powers to force the compliance of another country's wishes. That may be a controversial point but the reality is that when developed nations seek non-politcal co-operation, lesser nations are wise to comply.

And yet, the Thai government can not deliver a DNA test on a suspect because they are related to a low ranking police officer.

I return to the issue of petty crime. The stuff that is most likely to impact the average tourist. When you are involved in an accident, or victim of fraud or theft consider what will be the outcome in a land where the law does not apply.

it is an appalling situation and one that will shock so many only when they are hit by it.

Hide from the reality that Thailand is a dangerous and lawless place where foreigners are targetted systematically if you will. But this dog is one that will bite indiscriminately.

I have read your post twice just to "digest" it, unfortunately everything you write is perfectly true , and IMHO nothing will change oweing to the simple fact that Thai's and Thailand are the only people and Country that is of any consequence. Edited August 8, 2011 by Colin Yai

[Buchholz]

.

Police say killer can be caught

A leading police officer insists the case of a murdered Welsh backpacker 11 years ago can still be brought to a "successful conclusion". Kirsty Jones, 23, from Tredomen, near Brecon, Powys, was raped and strangled at a guesthouse in Thailand in 2000.

Speaking on the anniversary of her death, Ch Supt Steve Hughson of Dyfed-Powys Police said the force continued to press the Thai police for action. The family's MP Roger Williams has criticised the handling of the case. Ms Jones, a Liverpool University graduate, was found dead in a room at the Aree guest house in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. She was three months into a two-year around-the-world trip.

Despite a number of arrests, no charges have ever been brought over her death, and the lengthy slow-paced investigation has frustrated the Jones family. The family's concerns led to Dyfed-Powys Police's involvement in 2001, and forensic officers later secured the killer's DNA.

Since then, Ms Jones's mother, Sue, has continued to fight for justice for her daughter, and has met Foreign Office and Thai officials.

-- BBC August 9, 2011

Continues:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-14450166

[chaoyang]

From Dyfed Powys, Wales official police website:

Together with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Interpol officers from Dyfed Powys have continued to work over the years with family to try and bring case to successful conclusion.

Speaking on the eleventh anniversary of Kirsty’s death Chief Superintendent Steve Hughson said, “We feel that the answers to this case rest in Thailand, in particular Chiang Mai.

“In October last year we responded to a Letter of Request from the Thai Attorney General which meant the re-interviewing of a number of witnesses who are now residents in the UK. It involved cross boarder collaboration with the Scottish Crown Office and other Police forces and agencies. We also traced a number of witnesses living in Thailand and someone who was living in a commune in India.

“At the same time all documentation and a covering report was returned to the Thai Authorities, with a request to engage in further discussions regarding issues raised during those interviews. To date, the Thai Authorities have indicated they are still assessing that material before any further discussions can take place. We are extremely anxious that this takes place soon rather than later.

“The recent disclosure in the media around the naming of a possible suspect by an Australian national was forwarded to the Thai authorities in March this year as they retain primacy of the investigation. We asked them to interview the source of the allegation as well as thoroughly investigate the details.

“We, with the support of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Interpol, have continued to press for action and regular updates on the investigation. We are still firmly of the view that this is a case which can be brought to a successful conclusion and we will continue to support the family in their quest for justice and the truth.”

More at:

http://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/en/news/latest-news/201108/the-murder-kirsty-jones-eleven-years-later

[chaoyang]

From BBC:

Warrant sought to DNA Kirsty Jones Thai murder suspect

Thai police investigating the murder of Kirsty Jones will have to seek a warrant to forcefully carry out a DNA test on a Thai lecturer.

He refused Dyfed Powys Police's request to give a sample voluntarily, after being approached by Thailand's Department of Special Investigation.

Kirsty, 23, from Tredomen, near Brecon in Powys, was raped and strangled at a guesthouse in Thailand in August 2000.

The Chiang Mai University professor has denied any links with Kirsty.

Police stressed that the professor's rebuffal of their request could not be in any way considered an admission of guilt.

But they will now have to go through legal channels to secure a DNA sample.

It is understood the DSI are fearful they may be sued, as the professor is a respected member of the community.

Continue story

Edited August 13, 2011 by metisdead
Edited for fair use.

[Colin Yai]

There is no hope of petty crime being dealt with effectively by the thai police. They will not take a complaint seriously, act impartially or investigate any crime to any standard that approaches the acceptable.

Clearly, the standards we enjoy in the West do not apply in Thailand.

That is petty crime.

Therefore, when it comes to murder, to the need for actual policing methods to be applied professionally, there's isn't any possibility whatsoever that this can be done.

What is staggering is that despite the fact that a UK Police Force, supported by a British Government instructing its embassy to facilitate the matter at the highest level, and with the acquisition of DNA, the thai authorities fail to comply.

This causes a complete failure in relations and the observance that thailand is useless, backward and totally dishonest. It is a place where no law applies. Worse still it is a place where there are no powers to force the compliance of another country's wishes. That may be a controversial point but the reality is that when developed nations seek non-politcal co-operation, lesser nations are wise to comply.

And yet, the Thai government can not deliver a DNA test on a suspect because they are related to a low ranking police officer.

I return to the issue of petty crime. The stuff that is most likely to impact the average tourist. When you are involved in an accident, or victim of fraud or theft consider what will be the outcome in a land where the law does not apply.

it is an appalling situation and one that will shock so many only when they are hit by it.

Hide from the reality that Thailand is a dangerous and lawless place where foreigners are targetted systematically if you will. But this dog is one that will bite indiscriminately.

Very often in cases like this the police just close ranks and cover up for each other ,IMHO nothing will be done to find the culprit,its that simple.

[barrybankruad]

There is no hope of petty crime being dealt with effectively by the thai police. They will not take a complaint seriously, act impartially or investigate any crime to any standard that approaches the acceptable.

Clearly, the standards we enjoy in the West do not apply in Thailand.

That is petty crime.

Therefore, when it comes to murder, to the need for actual policing methods to be applied professionally, there's isn't any possibility whatsoever that this can be done.

What is staggering is that despite the fact that a UK Police Force, supported by a British Government instructing its embassy to facilitate the matter at the highest level, and with the acquisition of DNA, the thai authorities fail to comply.

This causes a complete failure in relations and the observance that thailand is useless, backward and totally dishonest. It is a place where no law applies. Worse still it is a place where there are no powers to force the compliance of another country's wishes. That may be a controversial point but the reality is that when developed nations seek non-politcal co-operation, lesser nations are wise to comply.

And yet, the Thai government can not deliver a DNA test on a suspect because they are related to a low ranking police officer.

I return to the issue of petty crime. The stuff that is most likely to impact the average tourist. When you are involved in an accident, or victim of fraud or theft consider what will be the outcome in a land where the law does not apply.

it is an appalling situation and one that will shock so many only when they are hit by it.

Hide from the reality that Thailand is a dangerous and lawless place where foreigners are targetted systematically if you will. But this dog is one that will bite indiscriminately.

Very often in cases like this the police just close ranks and cover up for each other ,IMHO nothing will be done to find the culprit,its that simple.

They might close ranks if it is an internal affair and easily concealed, but when it comes to a formal request from a foreign police it is an entirely different matter.Governments are likely to get involved.

[Colin Yai]

There is no hope of petty crime being dealt with effectively by the thai police. They will not take a complaint seriously, act impartially or investigate any crime to any standard that approaches the acceptable.

Clearly, the standards we enjoy in the West do not apply in Thailand.

That is petty crime.

Therefore, when it comes to murder, to the need for actual policing methods to be applied professionally, there's isn't any possibility whatsoever that this can be done.

What is staggering is that despite the fact that a UK Police Force, supported by a British Government instructing its embassy to facilitate the matter at the highest level, and with the acquisition of DNA, the thai authorities fail to comply.

This causes a complete failure in relations and the observance that thailand is useless, backward and totally dishonest. It is a place where no law applies. Worse still it is a place where there are no powers to force the compliance of another country's wishes. That may be a controversial point but the reality is that when developed nations seek non-politcal co-operation, lesser nations are wise to comply.

And yet, the Thai government can not deliver a DNA test on a suspect because they are related to a low ranking police officer.

I return to the issue of petty crime. The stuff that is most likely to impact the average tourist. When you are involved in an accident, or victim of fraud or theft consider what will be the outcome in a land where the law does not apply.

it is an appalling situation and one that will shock so many only when they are hit by it.

Hide from the reality that Thailand is a dangerous and lawless place where foreigners are targetted systematically if you will. But this dog is one that will bite indiscriminately.

Very often in cases like this the police just close ranks and cover up for each other ,IMHO nothing will be done to find the culprit,its that simple.

They might close ranks if it is an internal affair and easily concealed, but when it comes to a formal request from a foreign police it is an entirely different matter.Governments are likely to get involved.

Hi Barry do you not think that the police "closed ranks" when the 2 Canadian tourists got shot by a copper one of them fatally in Pia I think it was ,and how about the Saudi Arabian ""BLUE DIAMOND" fiasco, are you trying to say that copious amounts of "whitewash" was not administered by the police in the so called "investigation"?

[webfact]

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Warrant Sought in Connection With Kirsty Jones Murder In Chiang Mai

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