Thailand News

[Chutney]

But I do wonder why Thai fisherman are allowed to hang out at tourist venues such as Lamai or Chaweng or anywhere other such locations as it spells only big time trouble.

...and I wonder why tourists are allowed to hang out at fishermen's venues such as Lamai...

'Tourist' Katherine Horton cannot be deemed at fault for 'hanging out' at Lamai. Though possibly aware that fishermen were in the area could she really be in any way held responsible for the foul, inhuman death she met?

Not all fishermen are drunken rapists and killers.

Not all tourists are mindless ill mannered fools.

If as it increasingly appears, these men have done this dreadful thing it is their responsibility.

There is no justification for such a vile act whereever it takes place and whomsoever it involves.

Evil is evil.

[sriracha john]

DNA testing can not be rigged so easily...

For instance the sample from the victim would show DNA from more than one person (mixed DNA) There would be DNA from the victim plus others.....The sample from the victim would then be checked against DNA taken from somewhere else on the victim, usually blood, hair or skin, This way they can create her profile. The samples would be taken from the accused usually a swab from the inside of the mouth and also blood. These swabs or samples would then create a DNA profile that is unique to each of them.

When the sperm sample from the victim is tested it is then matched to the mens DNA profiles, this would then give a reading as to the probabilty of their involvement. This would usually run into the chances being 1 in many hundreds of thousands or millions. This is established by the existing database available....(in some cases the database on minority groups is not sufficient to provide reliable results.) Any interference to the mens samples would result in a mismatched DNA result as the mens profiles are 100% unique to themselves.

In this case the result would probably read something like this;

the sample from the victim showed 3 separate sources of DNA, 1 Female and 2 male. The mens samples when matched against the sample from the victim showed that the probability of the DNA coming from accused number 1 was 1:22,765,895, The possibility of DNA coming from the second accused was 1:18,654,283. There would be points where the DNA didnt match or was inconclusive but this is normal in mixed DNA samples and obviously the more points that are matched increases the probability.

If they tried to use the vaginal sample as the mens sample it would not work because of the mixed DNA in the sample. That sample would not match the mens samples 100%. If they tried to inject the mens samples into the vaginal sample then that sample would read that 4 or 5 different sources of DNA were found.

Does that answer some questions about DNA testing??

DNA Rigging Course 101 (required of all forensics students)

If you are pressured from "influential people" to get a match that "proves" the guilt of the accused, here is the procedure:

1. Sample #1: supposedly obtained from semen (or hair or other suitable source) found on the victim, but in actuality is a DNA profile created from Sample #2

2. Sample #2: obtain bloood sample from the accused and create a DNA profile

3. Sample #3 (optional): if more than one person is accused, then follow the same procedure as Samples #1 and #2

This procedure will result in a "match" for Samples #1 and #2 (as well as #3 if this option is used). Sign off on all reports as being "authentic" and then go off for a round of karoke singing.

OK... that's it.... Here are your certificates of course completion.

[Lisa28]

Very true, Chutney! I absolutely agree.

[sierra01]

Katherine's body is now back in the UK, DNA samples can be taken....properly. If there is the slightest doubt that it's a cover up then the UK Govt should ask to take their own DNA samples from the accused. If Thai plod has done a proper job then they would have nothing to fear of another DNA test. Maybe in an ideal world perhaps.

Is it possible to (still) take proper DNA samples from her body which could show the DNA of the accused, after such a while....?

LaoPo

It should be still possible, they can take DNA from mummified humans and animals. But I would still like to see UK experts take their own samples, not rely on those provided by Thailand.

[sriracha john]

The last photo of Katherine (left), taken just hours before the killers struck.

The fishing boat of the alledged killers.

[too true]

Was reading over all your comments on the suspiciousness of the investigation with my husband last night, and he commented on how similar it seems to the case up here in CHiang Mai about 5 years ago where an Australian couple were camping and were attacked. The guy was killed and the girl was raped and left for dead. There was heaps of pressure put on the police to find the killer(s). They eventually picked up two hilltribe men, beat them into confessing, and sentenced them quickly. They were not the men who had committed the crimes.

I agree with those of you who've expressed the opinion that the police have perhaps just picked up a couple of poor fishermen who may be guilty of other crimes, but not necessarily of this one.

Taksin has behaved like a braying donkey who can't keep his mouth closed. BUt that's nothing unusual.

[Lisa28]

I really hope all the DNA testing has been done correctly as the Horton family needs a accurate resolution and not a bandaid solution.

With all this discussion about DNA I remembered something my friend (who works in forensics) had told me. If a person receives a bone marrow transplant the receiver will then have the donor's DNA in their body as well as their own. Apparently it replicates in the hip/pelvic region..... I am no expert at all (and i know it doesn't relate to this case) but I found the information fascinating....

[Patsycat]

So basically they have picked up two illiterate fishermen to take the brunt of the crimw... not knowing what is happening to them

Leaving the real culprits at large...

crime

[LaoPo]

Katherine's body is now back in the UK, DNA samples can be taken....properly. If there is the slightest doubt that it's a cover up then the UK Govt should ask to take their own DNA samples from the accused. If Thai plod has done a proper job then they would have nothing to fear of another DNA test. Maybe in an ideal world perhaps.

Is it possible to (still) take proper DNA samples from her body which could show the DNA of the accused, after such a while....?

LaoPo

It should be still possible, they can take DNA from mummified humans and animals. But I would still like to see UK experts take their own samples, not rely on those provided by Thailand.

Agree! see my post #301. The question is if the Horton-family is doing and asking for such a DNA test in the UK...Let's hope so.

LaoPo

[LaoPo]

So basically they have picked up two illiterate fishermen to take the brunt of the crimw... not knowing what is happening to them

Leaving the real culprits at large...

crime

Where did you get that information and from whom? ...A statement nobody knows if that's true. It's an assumption.

There were more than 25 suspects (maybe even more), including quite a few foreign men/Farangs. Does anyone think the Police would have let go any Farang IF they would have committed this crime?

The Police would have 'jailed/nailed' them even with the slightest doubt and the Media attention, especially in Thailand, would have been gross...."Farang men killed Farang girl"

Of course there is still the possibility (untill proven guilty...but what does that mean in Thailand, right?) that it's a set-up/coverup and that's WHY a second DNA-opinion, done in the UK is so important.

LaoPo

[toptuan]

Jesus... I have two friends of mine going to Samui next week (women 26 and 27) and now I wonder if I should tell them not to go or at least never never wander off on the beach alone

Remember, murders happen every day in Thailand, and some of them are foreigners. This one just happened to get the attention of the UK media. How many foreigners are robbed, beaten or killed on the beaches of Florida or California in a month's time? I bet those statistics eclipse this event. Not to minimize the tragedy or heartache to the family of this situation, but it must be kept in perspective. To cry "The Sky is Falling" (Chicken Little) is to fall prey to the hyper-attention of the media on a not-too-uncommon occurance.

I would still rather sit at midnight, alone, on a beach in Ko Samui than at the Santa Monica Pier (Los Angeles) or Miami Beach ANY NIGHT!

[taxexile]

So basically they have picked up two illiterate fishermen to take the brunt of the crimw... not knowing what is happening to them

Leaving the real culprits at large...

what nonsense.

on what are you basing this earth shattering disclosure sherlock ?

do you actually have anything worth saying or are you just another of those rubberneckers who because they live within 30 miles where the incident took place deem themselves experts qualified to speculate stupidly and childishly about this awful crime and its investigation.

leave the police to get on with it and get back to your banana shakes.

[toptuan]

But I do wonder why Thai fisherman are allowed to hang out at tourist venues such as Lamai or Chaweng or anywhere other such locations as it spells only big time trouble.

...and I wonder why tourists are allowed to hang out at fishermen's venues such as Lamai...

And I wonder why local San Francisco residents are allowed to mingle with the tourists at Fisherman's Wharf? And just how would that "anti-mingling law" read? C'mon! Get real!

[Patsycat]

Sorry Laopo, Perhaps i jumped to conclusions

[LaoPo]

Sorry Laopo, Perhaps i jumped to conclusions

Understandable, since the case is so confusing, especially due to the media-reports and all our comments, true or not.

We ALL hope they (police) do the right job; let's hope so.

LaoPo

[Patsycat]

Please keep the media news coming to us, y'know this is touching a lot of people . Thanx xx

[dr_Pat_Pong]

So basically they have picked up two illiterate fishermen to take the brunt of the crimw... not knowing what is happening to them

Leaving the real culprits at large...

crime

Wild speculation as usual. Beware of assumption

[Patsycat]

I know...

[sriracha john]

Technology is amazing...

The last call from the phone was made at 21.30 on January 1.

Horton had been walking along Lamai Beach, a few hundred metres from her bungalow, talking to her mother Elizabeth.

When police traced the call, Horton’s mother told them she had been talking to her daughter for about 10 minutes when she heard her scream. After that the line went dead, the murdered girl’s mother told police.

Before Horton was attacked, the British couple who later found her cell phone passed her while they were out for a stroll.

They told police they heard a scream and about 10 minutes later walked towards the direction the scream came from but found nothing except the cell phone.

The couple left the phone with a waitress at Buddy Pub so that its owner could retrieve it.

Later, a mobile phone operator in Britain contacted Thai police with information on the length of Horton’s last call and the direction she was moving based on the network pole the call originated from and the one from which it was cut.

amazing... didn't know they were capable of that.

The spot where the phone signal ended would be where Horton was attacked.

Her call lasted about 10 minutes and the signal showed she was moving westward.

A police re-enactment based on this information led to the spot where her cell phone was found.

Police then used Google Earth to confirm the spot - which was not far from New Hut bungalow where Katherine was staying - by comparing it with the record of the phone signal.

[george]

Fishermen accused of backpacker's murder in court today

SURAT THANI: -- Two fishermen who allegedly raped and murdered the Welsh backpacker Katherine Horton on the Thai island of Koh Samui are due to make their first court appearance today as the authorities seek to expedite their trial.

Bualoi Posit, 23, and Wichai Somkhaoyai, 24, are listed to appear in a court in Surat Thani, a town on the mainland about 75 miles south-west of Koh Samui for a remand hearing. Proceedings have been moved from the resort where the murder occurred on January 1 because police fear that public anger there is so great that a trial could trigger unrest.

Investigators hope the trial can start within a week and be wrapped up in a few days since both men have acknowledged their guilt, according to Major General Suthan Chayanon. "We are working as hard as we can to prepare everything," he told the Guardian at Surat Thani police station. "We are a million per cent sure these two men [killed Ms Horton] and so we want to make sure we prepare all the evidence right."

The Thai prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, yesterday called for the men's execution if convicted. "They must be sentenced to the harshest possible punishment," he said. "They have caused serious damage to our country's reputation. By giving them the maximum sentence, it will give remedy to the relatives and the British government and show that we are taking this case seriously."

Police claim the two fishermen told them they had decided to rape someone while drinking whisky and watching pornographic films on their fishing boat off Lamai beach.

They then reportedly swam ashore to the beach at about 9.40pm and the first woman they met was Ms Horton, who was walking by herself along the sand talking to her mother, Elizabeth, on her mobile. They allegedly beat her with a wooden pole, raped her, dumped her in the sea and then swam back to their boat where they boasted of their exploits to disbelieving crewmates. Gen Suthan told the Guardian that Mr Wichai, who initially denied raping the 21-year-old Reading University student, had acknowledged yesterday that he had done so. Forensic experts have allegedly matched DNA from the two men with DNA found on Ms Horton.

Gen Suthan has ordered two officers to sleep in the cells with the suspects because he fears they might try to commit suicide. He said yesterday that Mrs Horton had written a five-page statement detailing what she had heard of the attack as she was speaking to her daughter on the phone.

--The Guardian, UK, 2006-01-11

[Jai Dee]

Thai murder trial 'to be fast-tracked'

The trial of two Thai fishermen who allegedly raped and killed British student Katherine Horton will be accelerated to restore Thailand's tarnished reputation, police said today.

Police in Thailand said that the process of filing the case normally takes a few months - with a trial lasting about a year.

But the trial is now expected to begin next week. "In this case we appeal (to the court) to expedite the trial because it involves the country's reputation," said police Major General Asawin Khawanmuang, deputy chief of the Royal Thai Police's investigation department.

He said police planned to file the case on Friday against the fishermen alleged to have raped and murdered Katherine, a 21-year-old student from Wales, who was holidaying on the island of Koh Samui. The trial is expected to begin on Monday.

The pair accused of killing the University of Reading student are reported to have appeared at a brief hearing in Thailand today.

Bualoi Posit, 23, and Wichai Somkhaoyai, 24, were said to have appeared in court for the first time since being arrested and charged on Monday.

During the hearing at Suritani on the Thai mainland, the two fishermen signed their names and were taken to Suritani provincial prison, the BBC's website reported.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said yesterday: "Under Thai law, the prosecution have 84 days from the point of arrest to get their case together for the trial to begin."

Detectives working on the case came under intense pressure from the country's prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, to catch the killers.

Yesterday, he called for Posit and Somkhaoyai to be executed if found guilty.

Police say fishermen Posit and Somkhaoyai confessed to killing Miss Horton, from Thornhill, Cardiff, on the evening of New Year's Day. Posit also admits rape.

DNA tests suggest the two men raped the Reading University student following a savage attack using a wooden stick, although Somkhaoyai denies rape.

Source: The Daily Mail, UK, 2006-01-11

[Lilyflower]

But I do wonder why Thai fisherman are allowed to hang out at tourist venues such as Lamai or Chaweng or anywhere other such locations as it spells only big time trouble.

...and I wonder why tourists are allowed to hang out at fishermen's venues such as Lamai...

And I wonder why local San Francisco residents are allowed to mingle with the tourists at Fisherman's Wharf? And just how would that "anti-mingling law" read? C'mon! Get real!

Just to clarify... I was being sarcastic to make a point (clearly it didn't quite work - sorry about that!).

I was surprised to read Johpa's comment when he wondered why Thai fishermen are allowed to hang out in Lamai. I would have thought that the first place Thai fishermen would have thought of hanging out would be somewhere near the sea, in Thailand!

I suppose I'm trying to say that just because tourists like/use a beach, I don't see why other people can't use it too. As an occassional tourist myself, I would be horrified if my choosing to visit a nice beach meant that previous users/native users/anyone else, etc etc etc weren't allowed to go there anymore. I'd be especially horrified if that decision was made because as a tourist I brought in more money etc (perhaps an idealistic view of the world - but nevertheless that's how I would feel)...

...And just on a practical level, there are bad people everywhere in the world - some of them are fishermen, some of them are tourists, some of them are politicians, some of them are teachers, some of them are... etc etc. Making a beach exclusive to one group of people will not stop bad things happening.

Hope that helps to clarify what I was trying to say

But I do wonder why Thai fisherman are allowed to hang out at tourist venues such as Lamai or Chaweng or anywhere other such locations as it spells only big time trouble.

...and I wonder why tourists are allowed to hang out at fishermen's venues such as Lamai...

'Tourist' Katherine Horton cannot be deemed at fault for 'hanging out' at Lamai. Though possibly aware that fishermen were in the area could she really be in any way held responsible for the foul, inhuman death she met?

Not all fishermen are drunken rapists and killers.

Not all tourists are mindless ill mannered fools.

If as it increasingly appears, these men have done this dreadful thing it is their responsibility.

There is no justification for such a vile act whereever it takes place and whomsoever it involves.

Evil is evil.

Hi there... I've just posted a reply to toptuan which might clarify what I was trying to say on this. I agree absolutely with all that you've said here.

[gburns57au]

DNA Rigging Course 101 (required of all forensics students)

If you are pressured from "influential people" to get a match that "proves" the guilt of the accused, here is the procedure:

1. Sample #1: supposedly obtained from semen (or hair or other suitable source) found on the victim, but in actuality is a DNA profile created from Sample #2

2. Sample #2: obtain bloood sample from the accused and create a DNA profile

3. Sample #3 (optional): if more than one person is accused, then follow the same procedure as Samples #1 and #2

This procedure will result in a "match" for Samples #1 and #2 (as well as #3 if this option is used). Sign off on all reports as being "authentic" and then go off for a round of karoke singing.

OK... that's it.... Here are your certificates of course completion.

Sorry does not compute......the vaginal sample from the girl would hold 2 or 3 profiles.....hers and who ever had ejaculated into her.....the samples from the accused would be pure one person samples....as would any other samples taken from any other accused....in this situation there would be three profiles created....and one sperm sample from the vaginal swab....these would then be matched to determine the probability. You cant take DNA from an accused and pass it off as a victim sample as it would not have the Victims DNA in it. The computer readouts of the DNA results will be presented to the courts and if they were fraudulent, it would soon be discovered.

[LaoPo]

DNA Rigging Course 101 (required of all forensics students)

If you are pressured from "influential people" to get a match that "proves" the guilt of the accused, here is the procedure:

1. Sample #1: supposedly obtained from semen (or hair or other suitable source) found on the victim, but in actuality is a DNA profile created from Sample #2

2. Sample #2: obtain bloood sample from the accused and create a DNA profile

3. Sample #3 (optional): if more than one person is accused, then follow the same procedure as Samples #1 and #2

This procedure will result in a "match" for Samples #1 and #2 (as well as #3 if this option is used). Sign off on all reports as being "authentic" and then go off for a round of karoke singing.

OK... that's it.... Here are your certificates of course completion.

Sorry does not compute......the vaginal sample from the girl would hold 2 or 3 profiles.....hers and who ever had ejaculated into her.....the samples from the accused would be pure one person samples....as would any other samples taken from any other accused....in this situation there would be three profiles created....and one sperm sample from the vaginal swab....these would then be matched to determine the probability. You cant take DNA from an accused and pass it off as a victim sample as it would not have the Victims DNA in it. The computer readouts of the DNA results will be presented to the courts and if they were fraudulent, it would soon be discovered.

Can they detect the 2 different DNA-samples,from the supects, found within the vagina (if that was the case?)?

I assume they would have been 'mixed' (the 2 suspects-samples).

Also: I never read any answer as to which extent they could have detected 'samples' from the victims' body as she was floating in the (salt)sea for 8-10 hours, if not more...

Do you have an answer to that, or do you know experts who could tell?

LaoPo

[gburns57au]

Can they detect the 2 different DNA-samples,from the supects, found within the vagina (if that was the case?)?

I assume they would have been 'mixed' (the 2 suspects-samples).

Also: I never read any answer as to which extent they could have detected 'samples' from the victims' body as she was floating in the (salt)sea for 8-10 hours, if not more...

Do you have an answer to that, or do you know experts who could tell?

LaoPo

Yes, the DNA of the two suspects if they both had penetrated her without condoms, and left traces of sperm, would be detected, I made reference to mixed samples previously....they would detect 3 profiles....hers and the accused mens....and possibly also anyone else she may have slept with in the last 24 hours or so. Not that I am saying that, that happened. The accuseds samples would have been mixed...and also the girls DNA would be mixed in there as well....If the guy who said he didnt rape her is telling the truth then DNA testing would disclude him from being a contributor to the sample. Each persons DNA is unique...you could only get a 100% result if you matched a persons DNA against his own DNA. As DNA is unique then it can be determined from the accuseds samples what probability there is of the accused contributing to the sample from the victim.

The sperm would still be detectable in a body even after floating in the sea water for that long. It would take some very vigorous water action within the vagina to wash it all out, remember that the sperm would be deep in the vagina. Also as the body swells the orifices would close up trapping the semen inside and away from any washing action. A DNA profile can be created from a single cell so a large sample is not required...for instance if you pick up a book and put it down again your profile can be picked up from that....sweat, dead skin cells etc...

Edited January 11, 2006 by gburns57au

[sriracha john]

DNA Rigging Course 101 (required of all forensics students)

If you are pressured from "influential people" to get a match that "proves" the guilt of the accused, here is the procedure:

1. Sample #1: supposedly obtained from semen (or hair or other suitable source) found on the victim, but in actuality is a DNA profile created from Sample #2

2. Sample #2: obtain bloood sample from the accused and create a DNA profile

3. Sample #3 (optional): if more than one person is accused, then follow the same procedure as Samples #1 and #2

This procedure will result in a "match" for Samples #1 and #2 (as well as #3 if this option is used). Sign off on all reports as being "authentic" and then go off for a round of karoke singing.

OK... that's it.... Here are your certificates of course completion.

Sorry does not compute......the vaginal sample from the girl would hold 2 or 3 profiles.....hers and who ever had ejaculated into her.....the samples from the accused would be pure one person samples....as would any other samples taken from any other accused....in this situation there would be three profiles created....and one sperm sample from the vaginal swab....these would then be matched to determine the probability. You cant take DNA from an accused and pass it off as a victim sample as it would not have the Victims DNA in it. The computer readouts of the DNA results will be presented to the courts and if they were fraudulent, it would soon be discovered.

Corruption 201 (2nd Year Course)

The judge will only be presented the printouts of the DNA profiles for all the samples, including the victim.

The judge isn't there in the lab looking over the shoulder of the staff doing the testing and seeing that there was indeed a semen specimen obtained from the victim that produced the 3 profiles reported. All he'll likely have are the printed reports of the "results." The prosecutor may also submit the specimen slides themselves, but unless the judge took the slides and had them tested independently, there's no way for him to know whose DNA is on the slides. You can't see the DNA with just your eyes. They are relying entirely on the "honesty" of the lab staff, the police, and the prosecutor that the DNA profiles submitted as coming from Samples #1, #2, and #3 are precisely those that these people say they are.

If the staff are requested to submit the slide that the semen specimen came from, they could even "whip up a batch" and put it on a slide. In other words, it's possible there never was a semen specimen actually obtained from the victim.

The accused are poor fisherman with public defenders paid for by the State. They don't have the resources to pay for independent verification of the DNA testing and the State sure as heck isn't going to pay for it.

[seonai]

I know I am a bit late with this but I just want to say that this case has touched me as much as a lot of you out there. What I find particularly disturbing are comments from people like JOHPA about fishermen hanging out on Lamai Beach. Do you have a brain man? This is their patch. Fishermen you know. It was their beach before.

My husband was a fisherman until five years ago.

I am totally gutted about Katherine's death...... but don't have a go a fishermen please. It might well have been two drunk or stupid fishermen who committed this awful crime. But leave out generalisations.

Seonai

[LaoPo]

Can they detect the 2 different DNA-samples,from the supects, found within the vagina (if that was the case?)?

I assume they would have been 'mixed' (the 2 suspects-samples).

Also: I never read any answer as to which extent they could have detected 'samples' from the victims' body as she was floating in the (salt)sea for 8-10 hours, if not more...

Do you have an answer to that, or do you know experts who could tell?

LaoPo

Yes, the DNA of the two suspects if they both had penetrated her without condoms, and left traces of sperm, would be detected, I made reference to mixed samples previously....they would detect 3 profiles....hers and the accused mens....and possibly also anyone else she may have slept with in the last 24 hours or so. Not that I am saying that, that happened. The accuseds samples would have been mixed...and also the girls DNA would be mixed in there as well....If the guy who said he didnt rape her is telling the truth then DNA testing would disclude him from being a contributor to the sample. Each persons DNA is unique...you could only get a 100% result if you matched a persons DNA against his own DNA. As DNA is unique then it can be determined from the accuseds samples what probability there is of the accused contributing to the sample from the victim.

The sperm would still be detectable in a body even after floating in the sea water for that long. It would take some very vigorous water action within the vagina to wash it all out, remember that the sperm would be deep in the vagina. Also as the body swells the orifices would close up trapping the semen inside and away from any washing action. A DNA profile can be created from a single cell so a large sample is not required...for instance if you pick up a book and put it down again your profile can be picked up from that....sweat, dead skin cells etc...

Thank you for your very clear answer. It helped a lot!

LaoPo

[limbos]

Police to check if accused fishermen raped another Brit

Published on January 12, 2006 The Nation

Police are investigating whether two fishermen charged with raping and killing Welsh student Katherine Horton on New Year’s Day sexually assaulted another foreign tourist on Koh Samui. The other woman, aged 26 and also from Britain, lodged a complaint with police in October about an assault that took place on Samui Island during a vacation with her family.

Two attackers, who have not been identified, raped her at a restaurant.

The victim later spoke to many media outlets in Britain in a bid to demand justice.

Horton was at-tacked at the end of popular Lamai beach, beaten to death and her body dumped in the sea.

Two fishermen – Bualoy Posit, 23, and Wichai Som Khaoyai, 24 – were arrested for raping and killing her.

Police said the suspects had confessed to the crime.

They are now in custody awaiting trial.

Police, meanwhile, plan to question five more witnesses in regard to the Horton case.

Provincial Police Region 8 deputy commissioner Maj General Santhan Chayanont said yesterday photos of Bualoy and Wichai would be sent to the other rape victim.

“If she identifies them as her attackers, they will be prose-cuted for both cases,” he said.

Koh Samui police super-intendent Colonel Arkom Saisamai said hair belonging to the October attackers was collected.

“We can conduct tests to determine whether two cases are linked,” he said.

Arkom, who has worked on Samui Island for 10 years, said local people were angry about the brutal attack on Horton.

Chairman of the Surat Thani Fishermen’s Associa-tion, Anan Chusak, said Horton’s murder had damaged the image of fishermen as well as the country.

“The owners of fishery businesses must screen their workers more carefully,” he said.

Thai Fishery Association secretary-general Surapol Seeprasert said representatives of his group had already met with the heads of marine police and the Customs Department to lay down measures to prevent fishermen from committing crimes.

“Also, we will ask all entre-preneurs in fishery businesses to monitor the behaviour of their fishermen,” he said.

[sriracha john]

'One-day trial' for murder accused

The full court hearing of the two men accused of raping and murdering British backpacker Katherine Horton in Thailand could be over in one day, the British Foreign Office has said.

Bualoi Posit and Wichai Somkhaoyai could appear in court as early as next Monday after Thai police said the legal process would be accelerated to restore the country's tarnished reputation.

The Foreign Office said it had been told the two fishermen would plead guilty to premeditated murder and gang rape.

Previously, Somkhaoyai had admitted being an accomplice to murder but denied raping the 21-year-old from Thornhill, Cardiff, despite his DNA being retrieved from her body.

The spokesman for the Foreign Office said: "The accused have had their first remand hearing.

"The police will submit their papers to the public prosecutor by the end of the week.

"As both men are to plead guilty to premeditated murder and gang rape, it is likely their case could last as little as one day."

Major General Asawin Khawanmuang, deputy chief of the Royal Thai Police's investigation department, said today: "In this case we appeal (to the court) to expedite the trial because it involves the country's reputation."

Detectives working on the case came under intense pressure from Thailand's Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, to catch the killers.

Yesterday, he called for 23-year-old Posit and Somkhaoyai, 24, to be executed if found guilty.