Phuket Tourist Killing: Two Men Get Life For Michelle Smith Murder

[webfact]

Thai pair jailed for life for Australian's murder

Bangkok, Aug 8, 2012 (AFP) - A court in Thailand on Wednesday sentenced two Thai men to life imprisonment for the murder of an Australian woman during an attempted robbery on the resort island of Phuket, a court official said.

Michelle Elizabeth Smith, 60, was stabbed in the chest as two men on a motorcycle tried to snatch her bag in June, near her hotel in Phuket Town.

Surasak Suwannachote, 26, and Surin Thadthong, 33, were arrested a few days later after fleeing to the mainland.

"Initially they were sentenced to death but as they confessed the court commuted the sentence to life imprisonment," the official at the court in Phuket told AFP by telephone after a three-day trial.

The victim was part of a group of tour operators visiting the island. One of her travel companions was hospitalised after suffering a cut to her arm.

The death was another blow to Thailand's tourist-friendly image, coming less than a week after two Canadian sisters were found dead in a hotel room on nearby Phi Phi island, showing signs of an extreme toxic reaction.

Thailand is a tourist magnet but its image as the "Land of Smiles" has been tested in recent years by deadly political unrest, devastating floods and concern about theft and other crimes against tourists.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2012-08-08

[crazykopite]

It should have been the death sentence these guys will be out before long whilst the children of this poor woman have to suffer this terrible loss for the rest of their lives since the abolishment of death in the Western world crime has got out of hand. The americans are spot on Life means life you die in prison and death means death by whatever means that state has.

[Katipo]

Finally a victim's family will get some closure. Poor consolation for losing a loved one, but much better than most receive.

Now let's hope that this signifies some winds of change. That thugs and criminals see that targetting foreigners will not be tolerated and carries serious consequences. Let's hope the only reason these two were punished was not because they didn't have deep enough pockets or friends in high places.

Let us also not forget that everyday 1,000s of Thais are targetted by individuals and various mafias alike.

While this verdict should be celebrated, there is still a very, very, long way to go.

[drdoom6996]

It's so weird, but a few days ago a Swede killed his Thai girlfriend's Facebook friend simply because she had wanted to meet him. People responded that it was essentially the Thai girl's fault. Stupid things like, "you can take the girl out of Thailand, but you can't take Thailand out of the girl." But if a Western person is murdered, it's like the culprits are slime of the earth. These responses are legitimate, to hate those who murder, but to have such obvious racist responses to who gets killed and who gets blamed is just part of this very bigoted Thailand experience. Not to diminish what has happened to Michele Smith.

How about the 2 words "Suspended Sentence" for one of the reasons.

[drdoom6996]

You can bet the Australians government was watching the outcome of this Trial very closely based on the fickle nature of the

the courts here.

It is good they were sentenced to life in jail. On would hope that future murders of foreigners by thai scum bags will be dealty with

the same expediency and with the same outcome.

Lets hope they do not let these two out of jail on bail.

+1

[Arkady]

Were they let out on bail for a few years to appeal their sentences like the five policemen, including a colonel and a lieutenant colonel convicted and (3 of them sentenced to death) of murdering the 17 year Thai boy in Kalasin in 2004 or is there a double standard?

Oh, sorry, I forgot that the policemen deserved special treatment due to their "exemplary police records" and their need to intimidate witnesses. None of this applies in the case of these two extremely low status Thais and with the tourist dollars at stake.

[HEVTA]

Yes, life sentence really means nothing in Thailand. I'm Thai and I also feel insecure with everything around me

[Arkady]

Heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of Michelle Smith. This senseless and brutal crime underscores the need for farang in Thailand to be constantly aware of their surroundings. Some self-defense classes wouldn't hurt either, as well as keeping a low, modest profile while out in public; displays of wealth in countries like Thailand can sometimes serve as a temptation to those who think taking from others is somehow justified. Not saying this was the case for Michelle Smith, but just a cautionary note to the rest of us.

She was aware of her surroundings. She was walking back to her hotel from a restaurant in a tourist resort.

The police allow such thugs and mafia to operate in tourist resorts because they are part of the scams and rackets themselves, as are government officials from the mayors up to the governors and national politicians. It would be relatively easy for the police to clear the mafia and criminal gangs out of Phuket, if they and the pipeline of corruption above them wanted to. See how quickly they caught these two bums when their <deleted> were on the line and they had no choice.

Tourists can't be expected to aware of all this nonsense going on in Thailand and that what looks safe is not due to massive corruption. It would be much better for foreign embassies to warn them that tourist resorts in Thailand are unsafe and advise them not to come, if not essential.

Edited August 8, 2012 by Arkady

[simple1]

You can bet the Australians government was watching the outcome of this Trial very closely based on the fickle nature of the

the courts here.

It is good they were sentenced to life in jail. On would hope that future murders of foreigners by thai scum bags will be dealty with

the same expediency and with the same outcome.

Lets hope they do not let these two out of jail on bail.

An Australian government rep attended the trial. These guys were street level drug users, where you think they will get bail bond - not a chance

[unanimosity]

I understand the sentence for the guy who knifed her, but don't understand it for the guy who drove the motorcycle. But, I guess it is better than most "justice" we see - or don't see in Thailand.

Perhaps, the sentece is not for murder so much as for causing LOFS to lose face.

[Arkady]

You can bet the Australians government was watching the outcome of this Trial very closely based on the fickle nature of the

the courts here.

It is good they were sentenced to life in jail. On would hope that future murders of foreigners by thai scum bags will be dealty with

the same expediency and with the same outcome.

Lets hope they do not let these two out of jail on bail.

+1

There was no chance that these two were going to be acquitted because they are people of no consequence in Thai society and the court was under pressure to show results, as were the police and prosecutors. Even if they hadn't done it, it wouldn't have made any difference. Protocol in this situation demands a quick conviction of anyone who was around there at the time, so foreign embassies can be reassured and everyone can go back to their corrupt business as usual.

Edited August 8, 2012 by Arkady

[BirdsandBooze]

Australia's Honorary Consul Mr Cunningham stressed that Phuket remains a safe and "wonderful place to holiday where Australians come and enjoy the Thai hospitality".

This guy first says that tens of thousands of Australians are being targeted and then bottles it. Kind words to appease the authorities here won't change anything.

[Notstupid30]

All Murderers Should Have Death Penalty Plan And Simple .. A Life For A life

[Mosha]

So was it life or Eternal life? The former means after a long sentence they may get parole. The latter = No parole.

[saroq]

It's so weird, but a few days ago a Swede killed his Thai girlfriend's Facebook friend simply because she had wanted to meet him. People responded that it was essentially the Thai girl's fault. Stupid things like, "you can take the girl out of Thailand, but you can't take Thailand out of the girl." But if a Western person is murdered, it's like the culprits are slime of the earth. These responses are legitimate, to hate those who murder, but to have such obvious racist responses to who gets killed and who gets blamed is just part of this very bigoted Thailand experience. Not to diminish what has happened to Michele Smith.

I don't know what posts you were reading but they're certainly colored with your own bias. The thrust of the posts you mention was not that it was the Thai girlfriend's fault because she wanted to meet people. If that is the understanding you came to then you cannot read, it's as simple as that. The Thai Facebook friend entered the Swede's room, refused to allow the Thai girlfriend to come in, lock the door and initiated the attack on the Swede boyfriend. The posts related to the fact that those events, as reported to the police and supported by the Thai girlfriend's account were suspicious as was her behavior. You are distorting the tone of the majority of the posts to suite your own Thai apologists viewpoint.

Edited August 8, 2012 by saroq

[Delight]

Moral of the story -if attacked -lose the bag

[GeorgeO]

It's so weird, but a few days ago a Swede killed his Thai girlfriend's Facebook friend simply because she had wanted to meet him. People responded that it was essentially the Thai girl's fault. Stupid things like, "you can take the girl out of Thailand, but you can't take Thailand out of the girl." But if a Western person is murdered, it's like the culprits are slime of the earth. These responses are legitimate, to hate those who murder, but to have such obvious racist responses to who gets killed and who gets blamed is just part of this very bigoted Thailand experience. Not to diminish what has happened to Michele Smith.

It seems that there is no real deterrent here in Thailand. Maybe they should try to emulate the public floggings that criminals have to endure in Singapore.

There isn't too much recidivism over there...!!

[RichardinBKK]

It's so weird, but a few days ago a Swede killed his Thai girlfriend's Facebook friend simply because she had wanted to meet him. People responded that it was essentially the Thai girl's fault. Stupid things like, "you can take the girl out of Thailand, but you can't take Thailand out of the girl." But if a Western person is murdered, it's like the culprits are slime of the earth. These responses are legitimate, to hate those who murder, but to have such obvious racist responses to who gets killed and who gets blamed is just part of this very bigoted Thailand experience. Not to diminish what has happened to Michele Smith.

Sir, you hit that nail on the head!!

Here is an easy formula to remember (Thai Visa) = (Thai Bad / Foreigner Good)

[Misterwhisper]

And all of that because those two scumbags allegedly needed (as reported) a quick 300 Baht to pay for their bar tab? Was that really worth it?

The sentence is satisfactory. Thai jails are no 'walk in the park'.

"Lawyers said both men are likely to die in jail even with royal and other remissions."

So what?! Let them rot there. It's what both of them richly deserve. As it transpires now, even the motorcycle was stolen just minutes before the attack (unless I have missed something in earlier reports)!

The question now is: Will they be granted bail or do they pose too much of a flight risk? - unlike another trio of local gentlemen, who recently were sentenced to death for murder, but apparently do NOT pose a flight risk, thus were set free on bail.

Edited August 8, 2012 by Misterwhisper

[RichardinBKK]

It's so weird, but a few days ago a Swede killed his Thai girlfriend's Facebook friend simply because she had wanted to meet him. People responded that it was essentially the Thai girl's fault. Stupid things like, "you can take the girl out of Thailand, but you can't take Thailand out of the girl." But if a Western person is murdered, it's like the culprits are slime of the earth. These responses are legitimate, to hate those who murder, but to have such obvious racist responses to who gets killed and who gets blamed is just part of this very bigoted Thailand experience. Not to diminish what has happened to Michele Smith.

I don't know what posts you were reading but they're certainly colored with your own bias. The thrust of the posts you mention was not that it was the Thai girlfriend's fault because she wanted to meet people. If that is the understanding you came to then you cannot read, it's as simple as that. The Thai Facebook friend entered the Swede's room, refused to allow the Thai girlfriend to come in, lock the door and initiated the attack on the Swede boyfriend. The posts related to the fact that those events, as reported to the police and supported by the Thai girlfriend's account were suspicious as was her behavior. You are distorting the tone of the majority of the posts to suite your own Thai apologists viewpoint.

No one needs to "apologize" for the Kingdom. Period. End of Story.

[davejones]

"Assaults continue unabated virtually every night and there are little or no arrests of the guilty parties, mainly because they have patronage protection," yet Mr Cunningham stressed that Phuket remains a safe and "wonderful place to holiday where Australians come and enjoy the Thai hospitality".

Can't quite follow the logic of that.

[saroq]

It's so weird, but a few days ago a Swede killed his Thai girlfriend's Facebook friend simply because she had wanted to meet him. People responded that it was essentially the Thai girl's fault. Stupid things like, "you can take the girl out of Thailand, but you can't take Thailand out of the girl." But if a Western person is murdered, it's like the culprits are slime of the earth. These responses are legitimate, to hate those who murder, but to have such obvious racist responses to who gets killed and who gets blamed is just part of this very bigoted Thailand experience. Not to diminish what has happened to Michele Smith.

I don't know what posts you were reading but they're certainly colored with your own bias. The thrust of the posts you mention was not that it was the Thai girlfriend's fault because she wanted to meet people. If that is the understanding you came to then you cannot read, it's as simple as that. The Thai Facebook friend entered the Swede's room, refused to allow the Thai girlfriend to come in, lock the door and initiated the attack on the Swede boyfriend. The posts related to the fact that those events, as reported to the police and supported by the Thai girlfriend's account were suspicious as was her behavior. You are distorting the tone of the majority of the posts to suite your own Thai apologists viewpoint.

No one needs to "apologize" for the Kingdom. Period. End of Story.

Quick question ... Do you even know what the word "apologist" means?

[NoshowJones]

Rot in hell scumbags. RIP Michelle Smith

I agree, and the poor lady Ms Smith should be given some respect instead of referring to her by her second name.

[joboss]

It's so weird, but a few days ago a Swede killed his Thai girlfriend's Facebook friend simply because she had wanted to meet him. People responded that it was essentially the Thai girl's fault. Stupid things like, "you can take the girl out of Thailand, but you can't take Thailand out of the girl." But if a Western person is murdered, it's like the culprits are slime of the earth. These responses are legitimate, to hate those who murder, but to have such obvious racist responses to who gets killed and who gets blamed is just part of this very bigoted Thailand experience. Not to diminish what has happened to Michele Smith.

Insightful Post, Can u post the link about the Swede?

[ozziebloke]

Not a long enough sentence!! rot in prison you pair of low life scum

[RogueLeader]

Finally some justice done! Much better than death - so now they can meditate about what they have done for another 50 to 60 years while getting a$$-raped on a daily basis in a stinking dorm cell without the privacy and comfort western so-called "prisons" provide, where the stay comes close to living in a 3-star hotel.

Another clown who thinks prisons are like five star hotels and rape is funny.

What other forms of sexual abuse have amused you today?

[jonb1942]

Personaly if it were up to me the creep that did this would have gotton a death sentens. as for the other one life would be right. But then I am an American and are laws are about as lame as here.

[ozziebloke]

Rot in hell scumbags. RIP Michelle Smith

I agree, and the poor lady Ms Smith should be given some respect instead of referring to her by her second name.

??

[RogueLeader]

The Thaivisa Way:

• Initial news story about something awful that's happened in Thailand (usually Phuket);
  

• Weary and slightly flippant response from someone who's seen it all before;
  

• Try-hard armchair authoritarian suggests preposterously harsh and sweeping measures to combat the problem;
  

• Angry post misunderstanding the first response;
  

• Attempt to clarify, a further misunderstanding;
  

• Passive-agressive post blaming everyone and no-one;
  

• Long chain of flames;
  

• Descent into weary apathy.
  

Never change, TV

[drewsclayton]

Stabbing an old lady for a handbag? Will be leaving mine at home from now on. RIP.