Thai police hunt killers of two Britons found beaten to death

[DrLom]

From a UK govt report from 2013. Among the 'Key Findings' was this little gem.

"Thailand has seen a significant increase in hospitalisations (31%) and deaths (31%), despite fewer cases worldwide."

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-figures-reveal-fco-assisted-over-19000-brits-last-year

Thailand is a VERY violent place. Despite a lot of retirees, odd's of 2,400/1 that you could die while in Thailand are not good IMO.

That really depends upon who you are, what your profession is, and how long you've been here.

If one is a teenage dick-sweat at a beach party, then yes put yourself in the 2,400. If you are well know and respected, live here, and speak Thai..... there is no risk whatsoever. The UK govt report is aimed at VISITORS, not long term stayers or ex-pats....... let's keep it in perspective, shall we? Grengjai na krap!

[englishoak]

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Could be any national but it is striking only foreigners are current suspects. Far too much "its them" since this tragedy happened

No point blaming foreign workers from Myanmar or anywhere else and trying to pass off its not Thailand's responsibility, even if it does turn out to be a non Thai the Thais employ them, they don't care what background or history people have as long as they come cheap. Ultimately Thailand is responsible for tourists safety in Thailand, and they totally failed these two people.

This is an extremely high profile incident in the UK and The British government will no doubt be taking a keen interest and quite possibly will want to substantiate any DNA matched to any suspects before its rushed through any courts. I don't think this time a half baked rush job on any patsy will cut it or be accepted by HM Gov and nor should it.

I think you are being generous to the UK govt, I don't think they give a toss.

With 389 Brits dead in a year you have to wonder what is going on. How does this figure and particularly the odds of 2,400/1 that you will die while in Thailand hold up against UK visitors to other countries? How many are OAP's kicking the bucket? Far too many foreigners seem to fall off balconies for my liking.

I love the police comment. ...and mobilised both Koh Tao and Koh Phangan residents to help police," Panya said. So you organised a mob!

I don't, theres nothing more encouraging to the UK gov to give a toss than a huge press interest.... and there IS at present a major interest in these killings..

[DrLom]

The 'used' condom holds all the evidence, assuming it wasn't used 3 months ago .... don't lose it guys or throw it into the bin as beach garbage.....

That should have been the first thing to be analysed... so let's assume it is right now, and not the post-haste-mortem.

A USED CONDOM as evidence in a rape and murder case? My, what a considerate rapist! Give me a break...

The condom could have come from the couple and not the murder/possible rapist

Ooooh! Of course, I forgot that part. Condoms fall off when one is hoed in the back! Silly me.

[Sayonarax]

more misery on Thailand's lucrative tourism industry, which has been battered in recent months after a prolonged political crisis ended in a coup.

Let me finish the sentence for you Mr journalist.. "more misery on Thailand's lucrative tourism industry, which has been battered in recent months after a prolonged political crisis ended in a coup, along with alienating the expat community."

[DrLom]

"Gen. Pravit Wongsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, said he instructed police to urgently solve the case..."

So most other cases of criminality are dealt with on the back-burner (excuse the pun), at police's own speed and discretion? Farcical!

[lingyai]

The 'used' condom holds all the evidence, assuming it wasn't used 3 months ago .... don't lose it guys or throw it into the bin as beach garbage.....

That should have been the first thing to be analysed... so let's assume it is right now, and not the post-haste-mortem.

A USED CONDOM as evidence in a rape and murder case? My, what a considerate rapist! Give me a break...

The condom could have come from the couple and not the murder/possible rapist

Ooooh! Of course, I forgot that part. Condoms fall off when one is hoed in the back! Silly me.

Or they had sex. Removed the condom and were laying together. Some people do that after sex.

Edited September 16, 2014 by lingyai

[Scully]

"I have been following this matter very closely," Gen. Prayuth told reporters as he arrived at Government House this morning. "We also have to look into the behaviour of the other side."

Knowing I have to be very careful what I say here I will just settle for speechless.

[NongKhaiKid]

The Minister of Tourism refused to comment today which is quite a departure from her earlier comments.

Did someone actually tell her she may have gone just a bit too far ?

[englishoak]

Could be any national but it is striking only foreigners are current suspects. Far too much "its them" since this tragedy happened

No point blaming foreign workers from Myanmar or anywhere else and trying to pass off its not Thailand's responsibility, even if it does turn out to be a non Thai the Thais employ them, they don't care what background or history people have as long as they come cheap. Ultimately Thailand is responsible for tourists safety in Thailand, and they totally failed these two people.

This is an extremely high profile incident in the UK and The British government will no doubt be taking a keen interest and quite possibly will want to substantiate any DNA matched to any suspects before its rushed through any courts. I don't think this time a half baked rush job on any patsy will cut it or be accepted by HM Gov and nor should it.

Thailand totally failed these two people? What was the they gov't supposed to do to prevent this? Sometimes random horrible crimes happen. Sometime people who kill others don't have any criminal history whatsoever. If the gov't failed some how then by all means blame them but as of now there is no evidence the gov't failed these two people.

As foreign suspects, well if a Brit that was with their group left that same day then yes it is not surprising the police want to talk to him. The Burmese worker were drinking nearby to the murder so it makes sense to question them.

If a Thai/s person killed these two then the Thai will be arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment or death.

In 2006 British woman was raped and killed. The police found the suspects who where Thai and arrested them. Thaksin wanted them hanged.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/4608324.stm

Thais will not protect suspect just because he is Thai in this case.

You do realise if Tourists don't feel safe they wont come right ? . now how close was the local police station ? not that far away as it turns out if you take a look.

i could list many things the Thai gov is remiss in regarding tourist safety in tourist locations ... the responsibility IS on the host nation as to the safety of tourists, especially in tourist locations. Even the PM knows this hence him getting involved.

[oneday]

The most effective order the PM could have given was order Thailands' best forensic team down to Koh Dtao.

[DrLom]

The condom could have come from the couple and not the murder/possible rapist

Ooooh! Of course, I forgot that part. Condoms fall off when one is hoed in the back! Silly me.

Or they had sex. Removed the condom and were laying together. Some people do that after sex.

Care to explain the hoe in the back then? I'd have been looking up to the stars if that was the case you propose.... not have my head in the sand.

And let's keep this pragmatic - it's not personal digs....

[lingyai]

Could be any national but it is striking only foreigners are current suspects. Far too much "its them" since this tragedy happened

No point blaming foreign workers from Myanmar or anywhere else and trying to pass off its not Thailand's responsibility, even if it does turn out to be a non Thai the Thais employ them, they don't care what background or history people have as long as they come cheap. Ultimately Thailand is responsible for tourists safety in Thailand, and they totally failed these two people.

This is an extremely high profile incident in the UK and The British government will no doubt be taking a keen interest and quite possibly will want to substantiate any DNA matched to any suspects before its rushed through any courts. I don't think this time a half baked rush job on any patsy will cut it or be accepted by HM Gov and nor should it.

Thailand totally failed these two people? What was the they gov't supposed to do to prevent this? Sometimes random horrible crimes happen. Sometime people who kill others don't have any criminal history whatsoever. If the gov't failed some how then by all means blame them but as of now there is no evidence the gov't failed these two people.

As foreign suspects, well if a Brit that was with their group left that same day then yes it is not surprising the police want to talk to him. The Burmese worker were drinking nearby to the murder so it makes sense to question them.

If a Thai/s person killed these two then the Thai will be arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment or death.

In 2006 British woman was raped and killed. The police found the suspects who where Thai and arrested them. Thaksin wanted them hanged.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/4608324.stm

Thais will not protect suspect just because he is Thai in this case.

You do realise if Tourists don't feel safe they wont come right ? . now how close was the local police station ? not that far away as it turns out if you take a look.

i could list many things the Thai gov is remiss in regarding tourist safety in tourist locations ... the responsibility IS on the host nation as to the safety of tourists, especially in tourist locations. Even the PM knows this hence him getting involved.

I do realize that. I am sure Koh Tao will experience a dip in tourism for a short time. That being said I doubt this will have a major effect on Thailand tourism. Bali had two bombings killed hundreds and is still going. This is a horrible event but it will be forgotten.

I ask again what exactly could the Thai gov't have done to prevent this? People go of to dark places to have sex. This attack happened probably quickly.

This isn't the gem scam which you can blame the gov't somewhat. This is some psycho nut who went psycho.

[fritzzz25]

Having seen the graphic and uncensored photos online, my theory is that the two Britons were having intercourse and the male was struck in the head, rendering him unconscious and was pushed/dragged/rolled off of her. She was then bludgeoned in the spot where the sexual act was occurring. The male was then flipped into the water to drown.

The weapon was apparently about 100 meters away and definitely covered in a lot of blood.

[slipperx]

Could be any national but it is striking only foreigners are current suspects. Far too much "its them" since this tragedy happened

No point blaming foreign workers from Myanmar or anywhere else and trying to pass off its not Thailand's responsibility, even if it does turn out to be a non Thai the Thais employ them, they don't care what background or history people have as long as they come cheap. Ultimately Thailand is responsible for tourists safety in Thailand, and they totally failed these two people.

This is an extremely high profile incident in the UK and The British government will no doubt be taking a keen interest and quite possibly will want to substantiate any DNA matched to any suspects before its rushed through any courts. I don't think this time a half baked rush job on any patsy will cut it or be accepted by HM Gov and nor should it.

Thailand totally failed these two people? What was the they gov't supposed to do to prevent this? Sometimes random horrible crimes happen. Sometime people who kill others don't have any criminal history whatsoever. If the gov't failed some how then by all means blame them but as of now there is no evidence the gov't failed these two people.

As foreign suspects, well if a Brit that was with their group left that same day then yes it is not surprising the police want to talk to him. The Burmese worker were drinking nearby to the murder so it makes sense to question them.

If a Thai/s person killed these two then the Thai will be arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment or death.

In 2006 British woman was raped and killed. The police found the suspects who where Thai and arrested them. Thaksin wanted them hanged.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/4608324.stm

Thais will not protect suspect just because he is Thai in this case.

You do realise if Tourists don't feel safe they wont come right ? . now how close was the local police station ? not that far away as it turns out if you take a look.

i could list many things the Thai gov is remiss in regarding tourist safety in tourist locations ... the responsibility IS on the host nation as to the safety of tourists, especially in tourist locations. Even the PM knows this hence him getting involved.

I do realize that. I am sure Koh Tao will experience a dip in tourism for a short time. That being said I doubt this will have a major effect on Thailand tourism. Bali had two bombings killed hundreds and is still going. This is a horrible event but it will be forgotten.

I ask again what exactly could the Thai gov't have done to prevent this? People go of to dark places to have sex. This attack happened probably quickly.

This isn't the gem scam which you can blame the gov't somewhat. This is some psycho nut who went psycho.

The Thai authorities could nothing to stop this one event but it could certainly do plenty to make policing more effective, improve training on forensics and bring about more serious deterrents to attacks on foreigners generally.

These things might have an overall effect on lessening what seems to be a rather unpleasant trend of attacks on foreigners be they lesser crimes or one like this heinous act.

[JohnThailandJohn]

Police on Koh Tao like to find small offences that they can use to blackmail tourists for large amounts of cash, such as visa issues, small amounts of prohibited substances.

Sounds like police doing policing. So many here LOVE to complain about police not doing their jobs but then complain when they do. FYI, paying authorities for crimes you commit is not blackmail but rather called a fine.

Paying cash directly to the officers in order to avoid arrest is the definition of blackmail and is what jaidam is referring to. This is very, very common in Thailand, not just with tourists.

OMG. what a bunch of whiners. THEN GO TO COURT and asked to be arrested instead of taking the much easier and cheaper way out. It is not extortion, it is a choice you have many times and when I say many times I mean sometimes there is no option to pay a bribe or pay a fine on the street. Not to mention you can also ask for a receipt if paying a legitimate fine on the street. It is as much extortion as it is paying a fine anywhere else in the world when you do something wrong.

If only in my home country you could avoid expensive tickets, court fees, higher in insurance rates by paying $3 or $6 o the spot. And by the way POLICE ACCEPT FINES in Thailand, you have the choice to go to the station or court and post bail and all that but it is perfectly legal and acceptable to pay the fine to the police officer when caught doing something wrong.

Edited September 16, 2014 by JohnThailandJohn

[ChrisY1]

On Tuesday Thai junta chief and prime minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha appeared to call into question the victims' conduct in addition to the perpetrators of the attack.

"We have to look into the behaviour of the other party too because this kind of incident should not happen to anybody and it has affected our image," he told reporters, referring to the two tourists.

Dreadful, draconian, chauvanistic comments......this from the PM....."affected our image".....unbelievable!!

[WhamBam]

Is it not remotely possible that this Asian man seen on CCTV 'fleeing the scene' was fleeing because of what he stumbled upon? I think many would flee if they stumbled upon 2 naked, blood covered bodies. After all, who wants to be an innocent and report finding something like this to the RTP, especially if you are a foreigner?

[TheFishman1]

Hate to think the Police here is just another Business they are better at getting money from foreigners for nothing then real Police work. Just my 2 cents

[NongKhaiKid]

"I have been following this matter very closely," Gen. Prayuth told reporters as he arrived at Government House this morning. "We also have to look into the behaviour of the other side."

Knowing I have to be very careful what I say here I will just settle for speechless.

Do i presume by the ' other side ' he means the deceased who can now be portrayed as involved in all sort of things as suits requirements because, of course, they can't defend themselves ?

[a99az]

Can hear that goat bleating from here and it has only just escaped from it's pen.

[daveAustin]

Junta Tells Police To Hasten Investigation of Koh Tao Murder

By Khaosod English

"I have been following this matter very closely," Gen. Prayuth told reporters as he arrived at Government House this morning. "We also have to look into the behaviour of the other side."

He continued, "This case should not have happened in Thailand at all. I think it will affect foreign opinion of our country. I have urged all relevant authorities [to speed up investigation]."

So even the so 'PM' pedals the same line. Blaming the victims, that it shouldn't happen here, tarnishing Thailand's image etc. Everything but the facts and no empathy for the victims whatsoever. This from an 'educated', disciplined person. I'm disappointed in you, Prayuth. Well you know what, I hope it completely tarnishes your country - more so than it already is - and foreigners stop coming here. Why? Because Thailand does not deserve it!!!! At least then the deaths of these INNOCENT young people will not be in vain.

[BigC]

As often with a high profile case the BiB make a fast arrest. Often it concerns foreign workers (from Cambodia, Laos or Myanmar). Now see if there's a DNA match. If not start looking for Thai suspects.

I was waiting for a comment in sighting blaming burmease,

There are loads of burmease in koh Tao

I just hope the DNA is not contaminated

Don't forget the Thai police shall be working with the Brits so they have more resources which milay help the fast arrest

[Geordie59]

If we don't get a rapid but dubious guilty verdict here I will be surprised.

[Seelow]

Or they had sex. Removed the condom and were laying together. Some people do that after sex.

I think that is a concept quite foreign to a lot of the posters here. Usually it is exchange of cash and " goodbye number 26"

[spidermike007]

As often with a high profile case the BiB make a fast arrest. Often it concerns foreign workers (from Cambodia, Laos or Myanmar). Now see if there's a DNA match. If not start looking for Thai suspects.

What, a Thai suspect? Could it be that this crime was committed by a small group of young, drunk Thai men, who saw an opportunity, and it spiraled out of control? I realize the Thai youth are very high minded, moral, ethical, and are almost always very concerned about the welfare of both locals and foreigners. Could these have been the incredibly rare bad seeds? We must ask the forgiveness of the authorities for suspecting that Thais might be involved. It seems they do not consider that a possibility. But since this is Thailand, and there is a local population, a reasonable mind may come to such a bizarre conclusion. How dare we consider such a peculiar idea.

[IamNoone88]

"Round up the usual suspects!" ...... Casablanca 1942/Koh Tao 2014

[MobileContent]

The 'used' condom holds all the evidence, assuming it wasn't used 3 months ago .... don't lose it guys or throw it into the bin as beach garbage.....

That should have been the first thing to be analysed... so let's assume it is right now, and not the post-haste-mortem.

Possible is also that the used condom might have belonged to the British that was killed as well.

If the Burmese really raped the victim I doubt they had a condom and they would have taken it with them.

[johnmail]

from sky news: http://news.sky.com/story/1336573/thai-murders-police-focus-on-migrant-workers

-quote:

Police Colonel Prachum Ruangthong said: "The man was chopped in the back and on the side of his head, while the woman was chopped in her face."

-unquote

no discretion on part of investigators as graphic death photos are already on the web. ive seen them and the man has big gashes to the back of the head and the womens face is heavily damaged and body looking posed with legs spread eagle as if raped

my apologies for graphic discription murder is not pretty

looks like possibly a sneak attack on the male from behind with the bloody hoe and then a brutal rape and frontal attack on the female.

rip to the victims

when Kevin Curley fell or jumped or was pushed from Nana hotel a few days ago no one blinks as a sex tourist in Bangkok dying is no big deal

but when innocent young brits get brutally and horifically murdered on a thai paradise island this is not a news story that will go away anytime soon

[halloween]

OMG. what a bunch of whiners. THEN GO TO COURT and asked to be arrested instead of taking the much easier and cheaper way out. It is not extortion, it is a choice you have many times and when I say many times I mean sometimes there is no option to pay a bribe or pay a fine on the street. Not to mention you can also ask for a receipt if paying a legitimate fine on the street. It is as much extortion as it is paying a fine anywhere else in the world when you do something wrong.

If only in my home country you could avoid expensive tickets, court fees, higher in insurance rates by paying $3 or $6 o the spot. And by the way POLICE ACCEPT FINES in Thailand, you have the choice to go to the station or court and post bail and all that but it is perfectly legal and acceptable to pay the fine to the police officer when caught doing something wrong.

It's rare to find someone so naive, not to mention annoying. BIB fines paid on the street to do not result in a receipt; if you want a receipt you have to go to a police station and spend the rest of the day waiting for it.

The situation here is that you are arrested and incarcerated. POLICE, not court, bail will not be granted unless you have a legal representative, and surprise, the BIB will arrange one for you at an exorbitant price. Those unwilling to pay are kept locked up without access to the courts, and delays seem to occur and recur.

Here on Samui, we warn people about these practices, and they still come back much lighter in pocket on a regular basis.

[thetitan99]

Well, I left the island yesterday along with hundreds of other people. There was nothing sealed off. And yea, the police in Koh Tao are extortionate buffoons.