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

[webfact]

Surat police detain three Myanmar workers for questioning in connection with Britons murder



BANGKOK: -- Surat Thani provincial police chief said Tuesday that the police have detained three Myanmar workers for questioning after suspecting they might be involved in the brutal murder of the two British tourists on Sairee beach in Koh Tao Sunday night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760803-thai-police-hunt-killers-of-two-britons-found-beaten-to-death/?p=8392101

[animatic]

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?

There is a forensics team in Surat Thani the provinces mainland capital. I have met them, some speak decent english and they wish they had the facilities the see on SCI, while realising it is TV and not 100% reality. But that doesn't mean the local police have a clue about locking down an crime scene before they arrive. Another sore point for CSI Surat.

[soalbundy]

"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.

You are right. Having sex in public in Thailand is on itself a crime and goes against local custom in one of the worst possible ways. However it would be hard to find an individual that would kill because of it.

Usually one could never criticize a young Brit for showing to much discretion or polite behaviour in public whilst on holiday anywhere.

[arithai12]

First, RIP to the two young victims and condolescences to their families.

About "tourism" in Koh Tao, from the BBC report:

2,100 residents and 400-500,000 tourists per year on a few sq km.

I am saddened but not surprised.

[mdmayes]

Why do they need to include that picture with a story like this. No sense of dignity or respect for the victims of these horrific murders.

That, my good fellow, is an example of Thainess. RIP to the fallen.

[coma]

"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.

You are right. Having sex in public in Thailand is on itself a crime and goes against local custom in one of the worst possible ways. However it would be hard to find an individual that would kill because of it.

give me a break......this is the land of ping pong shows.

a local would immediately start to jerk off when witnessing sex acts in public.

Potentially a very dangerous habit indeed. Particularly in this case. Leaving one's semen in the vacinity of a double homicide.

[Fat Haggis]

I was on Koh Tao back in July for a course, and it's a beautiful place, and the friends I have there are pretty shocked at this brutal murder.

[KarenBravo]

To the posters arguing about fatality figures of Brits that die in Thailand each year........go away and start another thread and stop polluting this one with your inane drivel.

Thanks in advance.

[monk213]

Surat police detain three Myanmar workers for questioning in connection with Britons murder

BANGKOK: -- Surat Thani provincial police chief said Tuesday that the police have detained three Myanmar workers for questioning after suspecting they might be involved in the brutal murder of the two British tourists on Sairee beach in Koh Tao Sunday night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/760803-thai-police-hunt-killers-of-two-britons-found-beaten-to-death/?p=8392101

They are going to get on hell of a grilling/beating that's for sure.

[uffe123]

Welcome to the land of smiles. send your sons and daughters on vacations to beautiful Thailand and get murdered. I believe I read it right, a foreigner dies somewhere in Thailand every day.

Nice place to come on vacation.

[metisdead]

An off topic derailment post which was in violation of fair policy has been removed. Other posts not related to this topic have been removed. Any more posts of this nature will be removed without notice.

[Plutojames88]

However, drunken attacks and muggings are not the only concerns in Thailand. Lack of security, oversight and safety measures have resulted in multiple tragic deaths.

While some might argue that accidents happen everywhere, it seems there are multiple stories about muggings, attacks, murders, and tragic, avoidable accidents coming out of the country each week.

But the reality is Thailand is loosing tourists .

A sensible course of action is needed not the same old it ""ain't happening lame stuff""

[Treborz]

http://www.channelonline.tv/channelonline/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=512863

Report from Channel TV. Local news channel for Jersey/Guernsey.

[Patje]

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?

Because most of the work is done in the LOS by migrants ? ? ?

[roamer]

Welcome to the land of smiles. send your sons and daughters on vacations to beautiful Thailand and get murdered. I believe I read it right, a foreigner dies somewhere in Thailand every day.

Nice place to come on vacation.

Don't come then, as for a foreigner dying in Thailand everyday then no doubt it's a fact if you are talking about natural death or accidents and a blatantly false fact if you are talking about victims of crime.

[Dogmatix]

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?

There are at least 2 million unregistered migrant workers in Thailand who are able to travel and work freely as a result of the corruption of police and other government officials and the readiness of Thai business owners to break the law by employing them and paying bribes. Since they are illegal, they are often exploited and forced to work in desperate conditions without healthcare or other basic necessities. A tiny minority resort to crimes of violence and Thais are usually the victims, along with other migrants.

I am not blaming this terrible tragedy on migrant workers, just pointing out the dangers to society presented by 3% of the population being exploited undocumented aliens - a situation created by a succession of greedy and corrupt Thai governments and senior civil servants with the "my turn to eat now" attitude. The NCPO thought they could do a military quick fix, failed and gave up. Foreign embassies should highlight the dangers of travelling to a country with an underclass of illegal "slave" workers as well as discourage their consumers from buying the products of exploited workers.

[Thai at Heart]

Police suspect foreign workers in murder of two British tourists in Koh Tao

SURAT THANI: -- The chief of Surat Thani police said he suspected Myanmar workers in the area are responsible for the murder of two British tourists on Sairee beach Sunday night.

The bodies of the two tourists were found Monday morning with serious wounds on the head of the man and on the face of the woman.

A blood-stained hoe was found nearby.

The officer, Pol Maj-Gen Kiatipong Kaosam-arng said he believed the murderers are still in the island and that they might be Myanmar workers.

He said two to three men assaulted the man first and then turned to the woman with intent to rape her.

It was possibly that she resisted and then was struck to death with a hoe which the police found left at the scene.

He said investigation and examination of surveillance cameras in the vicinity showed a man with Asian look ran out of the scene.

He said the police would send the body of The woman to the Police General Hospital for autopsy and see whether she was raped or not.

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.

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.

He said the couple lied dead wearing no clothes.

The police have gained some clue and was confident to make arrest soon, he added.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/police-suspect-foreign-workers-murder-two-british-tourists-koh-tao/

-- Thai PBS 2014-09-16

They just can't help to slander the dead can they. Lots of boyfriemds because she was good looking.

Next it will be that she asked for it.

[Jimlove]

Why do they need to include that picture with a story like this. No sense of dignity or respect for the victims of these horrific murders.

To put it simple: Thais dont care about the deaths of 2 farang but only about the lost money this case could do to tourism so spare me for the grief from the local community at Koh Tao

I can only imagine the pain for the families of the 2 young people - RIP

[Plutojames88]

Welcome to the land of smiles. send your sons and daughters on vacations to beautiful Thailand and get murdered. I believe I read it right, a foreigner dies somewhere in Thailand every day.

Nice place to come on vacation.

Don't come then, as for a foreigner dying in Thailand everyday then no doubt it's a fact if you are talking about natural death or accidents and a blatantly false fact if you are talking about victims of crime.

Advising people not to go is helpful ..good.

However, pretending there is no problem is foolish.

It ain't old folks dying

Only a twit or some junta groupie would buy that, or worse try and pedal it as truth.

It's largely about misadventure avoidable accidents ( on the Thais part too) and poor regulations etc.

Murder is a fraction of it.

But Thailand is high in the world wide listings of tourists deaths for good reason.

Ie it's a third world country and is dangerous in many respects

The illusion it isn't flies against stats

[angiud]

Poor taste joke and an answer deleted.

There is nothing to laugh here

[deecee10]

We all know that a non-Thai of some description will be charged.

[KarenBravo]

Welcome to the land of smiles. send your sons and daughters on vacations to beautiful Thailand and get murdered. I believe I read it right, a foreigner dies somewhere in Thailand every day.

Nice place to come on vacation.

Don't come then, as for a foreigner dying in Thailand everyday then no doubt it's a fact if you are talking about natural death or accidents and a blatantly false fact if you are talking about victims of crime.

Advising people not to go is helpful ..good.

However, pretending there is no problem is foolish.

It ain't old folks dying

Only a twit or some junta groupie would buy that, or worse try and pedal it as truth.

It's largely about misadventure avoidable accidents ( on the Thais part too) and poor regulations etc.

Murder is a fraction of it.

But Thailand is high in the world wide listings of tourists deaths for good reason.

Ie it's a third world country and is dangerous in many respects

The illusion it isn't flies against stats

You just won't quit, will you.

Your pathological need to be seen to be "right", trumps all.

[petercool]

inappropriate troll post removed

[cherrylee2512]

after reading this i feel so lucky to be alive, i have never spoke about this to anyone but now feel i can.. i was one of the lucky ones, i was raped in 2004, I was 16 at the time i managed to get away and call a passer by (most traumatic experience ever otherwise i dont think id be here) and also was lucky enough to get justice by identifying my attacker (who was a stranger didnt know him) who is still in jail today. i was very young and it always has affected me however, it never made me hate Thailand or want to go home, I hope their attacker gets caught, my thoughts are with the family at this difficult time i only hope this doesnt affect the rest of thailand much as its not the countrys fault that there are some bad people here, lets face it it could happen in any country.

[tonbridgebrit]

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 .....

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

What must be even more chilling to you is the fact that alot more brits than that died in Britain last year. 643,500, or 1763 per day!!!

Well, actually, it was 569,000 in 2012, which is 1559 per day.

Basically, you're one and a half thousand times more likely to die back home than you are here in Thailand.

[soalbundy]

Welcome to the land of smiles. send your sons and daughters on vacations to beautiful Thailand and get murdered. I believe I read it right, a foreigner dies somewhere in Thailand every day.

Nice place to come on vacation.

Don't come then, as for a foreigner dying in Thailand everyday then no doubt it's a fact if you are talking about natural death or accidents and a blatantly false fact if you are talking about victims of crime.

Advising people not to go is helpful ..good.

However, pretending there is no problem is foolish.

It ain't old folks dying

Only a twit or some junta groupie would buy that, or worse try and pedal it as truth.

It's largely about misadventure avoidable accidents ( on the Thais part too) and poor regulations etc.

Murder is a fraction of it.

But Thailand is high in the world wide listings of tourists deaths for good reason.

Ie it's a third world country and is dangerous in many respects

The illusion it isn't flies against stats

there's not one wave

but marks the grave

of one of our English dead

lighten up, if you want death by violence try London

[watso63]

Lomprayah ferry running past my window right now on route to Phangan/Samui, so if the ferries are running they must have caught the murderer?

Nah, the flow of money is more important methinks.

[SirBser]

The immigration scheme.

Koh Taos Burmese are mostly undocumented, over in Koh Samui if you have ever been in the immigration office some person comes in with a bag full of about 100 Burmese passports, he pays a little bit of money and comes back a few hours and picks them up.

We farangs have to go to immigration take a photo and show are face and pay a good amount of money.

While the Burmese don't even have to go.!

Anyways just throwing this out there, even in Koh Samui there's a lot of dangerous Burmese, I've had a machete waved near my face because the Burma crashed his motorbike into my car at 2 in the morning. (Was his fault high on meth and drunk) Screaming at me that he hates Thailand and smokes ice everyday. Thankfully my Thai friends where there within minutes to help me.

RIP to the victims. Very sad news...

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[lingyai]

However, drunken attacks and muggings are not the only concerns in Thailand. Lack of security, oversight and safety measures have resulted in multiple tragic deaths.

While some might argue that accidents happen everywhere, it seems there are multiple stories about muggings, attacks, murders, and tragic, avoidable accidents coming out of the country each week.

But the reality is Thailand is loosing tourists .

A sensible course of action is needed not the same old it ""ain't happening lame stuff""

The reality is Thailand is not losing any tourists.

http://www.tatnews.org/thailand-welcomed-26-7-million-visitor-arrivals-in-2013-exceeding-target/

[lingyai]

Lomprayah ferry running past my window right now on route to Phangan/Samui, so if the ferries are running they must have caught the murderer?

Nah, the flow of money is more important methinks.

I doubt UK or America they would stop ferries for more than a couple hours.