Koh Tao island 'sealed off' after gruesome murder of two British tourists

[Bender]

sadly thing will never change in this banana country.

You want to do something for you fellow citizen, for your friend, for the friend of your friend, for our youth, so tell them to avoid this place!

Tell them, assault, murder, rape of tourist are over common here. Tell them this is not a place where you can get an exciting adventure.

Tell them these local people are not these innocent harmless budhist. Tell them to go somewhere else!

The only way to avoid these murder is simply to avoid the place.

[NongKhaiKid]

"Another theory of the murder might also be from jealousy because the girl was good looking and had many boyfriends coming in contact, he said."

Please tell me that's just a poor translation of what he said and not him hinting about loose morals being to blame.

Unfortunately, and is so often the case, a BIB spokesman has to speak out with little or nothing to go on.

Almost as soon as the deaths were reported someone from Surat Thani BIB was quoted as saying a migrant worker(s) might be involved but there was no actual evidence, at that time.

Whatever happened to factual, commonsense comments about this being an on going investigation in the early stages and it would be inappropriate to comment far less speculate OR one of so many other responsible comments ?

However TIT and officialdom just has to have its say and don't let lack of fact, evidence etc get in the way. Sounding off in an irresponsible manner doesn't make the speaker sound knowledgeable or efficient but try telling them that.

[Plutojames88]

I believe the authorities will do their best to track down and arrest someone over this .

What's chilling is this that more Brits died there last year than there are days in a year .( more than 365)

And you have a one in 2400 chance of death there.

Death not injury or theft or assault and robbery , rape and /or poisoning ...But curtains .

People forget that's just one nationality and indeed many visitors to this third world country meet grizzly deaths .

Many are thought or at least to be said ""suicide ""

The attacks seldom make press .

The hospitalisation of thousands never known.

Sure many are self inflicted and caused by carelessness.

Motorbikes and excessive drinking , fights etc.

But many are not.

Potholes , electrical wiring , theft and robbery, serious assault , sub standard maritime laws, poor driving on roads , and really third world standards and investigation .

I know police will catch and prosecute someone perhaps not the real killer.

And tourism resume with assurances to the westerners it seeks to boast coffers.

However , it's very very clear Thailand is not Kansas and coming to grief here is really not an uncommon occurrence .

Just hopefully it's not death, like the poor girl experiencing rape then her own demise.

Good luck with Tourism in the future .....

[metisdead]

An off topic post has been removed.

[simple1]

This is very sad news, read it on the BBC website this morning, my heart goes out to their families, who are so far away, lets hope the British Embassy gives them the support they need.

Also what stood out for me is the line 'there were 389 deaths of British nationals in Thailand in the year to March 2013' , can it really be that high, that's incredible, and a bit scary.

Relevant to the topic is now 14 murders of UK nationals in Thailand since 2009. 2012/13 HMG reporting year, requesting Consular support, 24 UK nationals had been sexually abused in Thailand.

[lostmebike]

'Police believed he could possibly have been a migrant worker or fishing-trawler crewman' You would think to make such a statement that the BIB are somewhat sure of this. Let's hope they are and this isn't just another scapegoat being lined up.

[garyinhuahin]

389 dead Brits in 12 months is quite a lot btw. How many deads from oher nationalities? Perhaps TAT could publish the expected fall of numbers of murdered tourists along side with their optimistic expected rise of numbers of tourists.

Sounds high until you consider the number of elderly retired here. A breakdown would be a lot more meaningful than citing a total and then noting that it 'includes natural causes'.Makes it sound like a natural death is the exception...

[TomJoad]

This crime meets all the requirements for making international news

- a young, attractive, foreign couple

- naked and possibly having sex on the beach

- an exotic location

- a particularly gruesome means of death

[thhMan]

Some countries would take this as an attack on their citizens.

At some time, one country will finally say... enough is enough... Stop robbing and killing our people!

[metisdead]

A troll post has been removed.

[Jean Pierre Jacquot]

"Another theory of the murder might also be from jealousy because the girl was good looking and had many boyfriends coming in contact, he said."

Please tell me that's just a poor translation of what he said and not him hinting about loose morals being to blame.

What is interesting is that both bodies were found naked. Doubt a killer would have spent time undressing the victims of his crime. And for what reason? Attacked during/after a skinny dip?

Not surprising at all as much points to the point that they had sex on the beach. These farang copulate wherever they feel like. Maybe TAT should make sure that visitors to Thailand do know that having sex on the beach is not only against local customs but as well dangerous.

[RickBradford]

But he said he put the weight on the foreign workers to be the most probable theory as they might be aroused by the couple having sex on the sand and then turned to assault the man with intent to rape the girl. So a Thai would never get aroused by seeing two people haaving sex? Those bloody over sexed perverted foriegners are destroying Thailands beautiful squeeky clean image. The very same country who is concerned about it's porn exports to the U.S.

In this case it is very logical to suspect one or more migrant Burmese workers... There are very few Thais living and working on the Island, they run the place and are a tight knit community. The Burmese community is very large, almost all resort, dive boat, restaurant staff and construction is Burmese. many (most) undocumented. The weapon used in the attack is most likely the heavy hoe tool used to mix concrete in the plastic tubs found on every construction site. The scenario of a tipsy tryst of two farang on that somewhat secluded spot being observed by the perpetrators and ending tragicly is the most plausable.

That is exactly the theory being put forward by the police in today's Thai newspapers. There were signs of a struggle slightly away from where the bodies were found, and a condom.

These two unfortunate people arrived separately in Thailand and had not met before arriving on the island, the Thai police are reported as saying. The perpetrator is expected to have scratch marks and other injuries from the struggle, the newspaper said.

UPDATE: Thai police believe they may have a CCTV shot of a suspect (Asian) who was seen near where the incident happened.

http://www.khaosod.co.th/view_newsonline.php?newsid=TVRReE1EYzJOVGcwTVE9PQ==&subcatid=

[Jean Pierre Jacquot]

Sealed off sounds good. So they can bring in now Hercule Poirot or maybe Miss Marple to solve the puzzle.

[Toscano]

What is worrying , is that tourists come to Thailand thinking it is just one beautiful playground under the hot sun , when you are on holiday you can do as you like , halfmoon party and more .

Thailand is a country that basically has a stricter moral code than western countries , despite the bars , bargirls and prostitutes . In all primitive or developing countries visitors have to be impecable in their behaviour not to offend the natives . If you have a cabin at a beachside resort , to insure yur safety you need to be in it with the door shut and locked by a reasonable hour .

I feel so sorry for this poor young couple and their families .

[Plutojames88]

389 dead Brits in 12 months is quite a lot btw. How many deads from oher nationalities? Perhaps TAT could publish the expected fall of numbers of murdered tourists along side with their optimistic expected rise of numbers of tourists.

Sounds high until you consider the number of elderly retired here. A breakdown would be a lot more meaningful than citing a total and then noting that it 'includes natural causes'.Makes it sound like a natural death is the exception...

.

Unfortunately , it is high .

On average natural causes only account for around 20% of deaths , and some of those in Thailand are dubious at best ..."" He had bad heart ..take pill "" etc

Really Thailand recorded more deaths than other countries visited by tourists .

Australians just for instance recorded in 2012/13 most deaths in Thailand .

Other nationalities have similar findings .

So even taking off a full 20% for natural deaths ( which as mentioned attracts doubts to causes)

A figure of 389 still had over 300 to account for .

It's preferred we sweep this under the table but that's just British nationals .

Add another hundred nationalities to the mix we have a very dark picture.

Clearly , Thailand is popular which to some extent explains why more people might die there .

But preventable deaths is another issue

[waynethor]

"Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, meanwhile, said Tourist Police were already on high alert. She added that tourists visiting the Kingdom would all be under the protection of official bodies to prevent further damage to the country's reputation."

Really? Are they going to give each person coming off the plane their own personal bodyguard? What an idiotic thing to say! But at least the real concern comes out in her asinine statement; "...prevent further damage to the reputation of Thailand." That's all that matters. A farang's life is worth slightly less than a soi dog's life here in good ol' LOS.

RIP to this tragic young couple. This a much more violent and dangerous country than most people would imagine.

[DekDaeng]

But he said he put the weight on the foreign workers to be the most probable theory as they might be aroused by the couple having sex on the sand and then turned to assault the man with intent to rape the girl. So a Thai would never get aroused by seeing two people haaving sex? Those bloody over sexed perverted foriegners are destroying Thailands beautiful squeeky clean image. The very same country who is concerned about it's porn exports to the U.S.

In this case it is very logical to suspect one or more migrant Burmese workers... There are very few Thais living and working on the Island, they run the place and are a tight knit community. The Burmese community is very large, almost all resort, dive boat, restaurant staff and construction is Burmese. many (most) undocumented. The weapon used in the attack is most likely the heavy hoe tool used to mix concrete in the plastic tubs found on every construction site. The scenario of a tipsy tryst of two farang on that somewhat secluded spot being observed by the perpetrators and ending tragicly is the most plausable.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I think it is generally Thais have that 'special feeling' toward falungs that may have provoked this.

[jucel]

This is not your average rape murder case. Whoever did this needs apprehending asap as they are either deranged or full of rage.

This is based on seeing the uncensored pictures of the female victim. Horrific

[soalbundy]

There is too much face to lose now,they will have to find someone who did this,anyone, as long a he isn't Thai.

[Toknarok]

What appalls me (apart from the enormity of the crime) is the total lack of professionalism shown by the police with regard to the crime scene. In the photos that I have seen there were uniformed officers milling about, trampling on everything, with miscellaneous other persons spectating. The only protective gear I could see was one bloke wearing rubber gloves, The scene should have been fully cordoned off with the only persons allowed entry being specialised forensic personnel in protective clothing.

I appreciate that the island would not have forensic teams to hand, but the scene should have been preserved until they arrived. What thoughts Chooka and other ex police members?

[Nickymaster]

Some countries would take this as an attack on their citizens.

At some time, one country will finally say... enough is enough... Stop robbing and killing our people!

The only thing countries can do is warn their citizens.

[Secondmouse]

This is very sad news, read it on the BBC website this morning, my heart goes out to their families, who are so far away, lets hope the British Embassy gives them the support they need.

Also what stood out for me is the line 'there were 389 deaths of British nationals in Thailand in the year to March 2013' , can it really be that high, that's incredible, and a bit scary.

Relevant to the topic is now 14 murders of UK nationals in Thailand since 2009. 2012/13 HMG reporting year, requesting Consular support, 24 UK nationals had been sexually abused in Thailand.

Sorry to pick on your post when you say 24 UK nationals were sexually abused in Thailand, but let's put this into perspective:

How many Brits sexually abuse Thais? Daily?

Laban, Where exactly does Simple1 state that '24 UK nationals had been sexually abused ....'....by THAI's..?....could easily have been abuse from Brit's, Aussie's, Italian's, Russians, etc, etc, etc,....why don't you think before you make such an ignorant comment ?

[louse1953]

I believe the authorities will do their best to track down and arrest someone over this .

What's chilling is this that more Brits died there last year than there are days in a year .( more than 365)

And you have a one in 2400 chance of death there.

Death not injury or theft or assault and robbery , rape and /or poisoning ...But curtains .

People forget that's just one nationality and indeed many visitors to this third world country meet grizzly deaths .

Many are thought or at least to be said ""suicide ""

The attacks seldom make press .

The hospitalisation of thousands never known.

Sure many are self inflicted and caused by carelessness.

Motorbikes and excessive drinking , fights etc.

But many are not.

Potholes , electrical wiring , theft and robbery, serious assault , sub standard maritime laws, poor driving on roads , and really third world standards and investigation .

I know police will catch and prosecute someone perhaps not the real killer.

And tourism resume with assurances to the westerners it seeks to boast coffers.

However , it's very very clear Thailand is not Kansas and coming to grief here is really not an uncommon occurrence .

Just hopefully it's not death, like the poor girl experiencing rape then her own demise.

Good luck with Tourism in the future .....

Considering how many retirees are here,i guess some would die of natural causes.

[Loles]

I don't know, but I have a feeling Police is not getting anywhere.

Police has used already they Jolly Joker : migrant worker. If they don't find these bastards (I'm sure wasn't alone this idiot) they will say " the migrant worker fled to home " as usually.

[brewsterbudgen]

Tragic case, but some typically stupid comments from the usual people who seem to get a kick from these types of threads.

[soalbundy]

Thailand is becoming too dangerous these days and attracts criminals from everywhere. God knows why anyone would want to risk their life living or holidaying there.

sure beats Blackpool

[empireboy]

One of Millers friends has been detained. Police believe it could possibly be a migrant worker. Why do Thais never want to admit responsibility. How could they possibly know that the cctv footage is a migrant worker?

Yes I agree... I think it's call "Media Crisis Management"... any kind of BS just to save face!! Disgusting attitude!! Shame on those concerned.

[empireboy]

Thailand is becoming too dangerous these days and attracts criminals from everywhere. God knows why anyone would want to risk their life living or holidaying there.

And exactly what Haven from trouble to you live in? Geez... people like you have a very myopic view of life and certainly an unrealistic one. Risks are on every continent and in every country no matter what activities you engage in. Seriously!

[wandasloan]

As long as a Thai isn't involved it's all good.

Are you kidding? It's the end of Thai Visa as we know it!!

[jacksam]

.

This murder did make it to international headlines.

Thailand certainly doesn't lack for grief producing events.

Just watched it on BBC news. Also seen it on AU news.

Friend in USA had already heard about American that fell from 5th floor of Nanna hotel few days ago. He saw this on american TV.