Hunt for killers of British pair goes on after Thai police free Myanmar suspects

[webfact]

Hunt for killers of British pair goes on after Thai police free Myanmar suspects
by Preeti JHA

BANGKOK, September 17, 2014 (AFP) - Thai police Tuesday ruled out three Myanmar workers in connection with the murder of two young British tourists, as Thailand's military ruler appeared to call into question the "behaviour" of the victims themselves.

The bodies of David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, arrived in Bangkok late Tuesday for forensic examination.

They were found naked and beaten to death early Monday near a beachside bungalow on the island, a diving hot-spot near Koh Phangan in the Gulf of Thailand.

A bloodied hoe was discovered 35 metres (yards) from the murder scene.

Three male Myanmar migrant workers were held for questioning but ruled out of the probe later on Tuesday, southern regional police commander Panya Maman told AFP.

"They were very far from the scene... it was probably not them," he said, adding DNA samples had been collected from the men.

He did not give details of any further leads as the manhunt on the small, normally tranquil island stretched into a second day without an arrest.

Police have also cleared a number of British tourists who travelled with the victims of any involvement in the killings.

Earlier Tuesday, local television showed Thai authorities searching several shacks belonging to Myanmar migrants on Koh Tao.

Migrants from Myanmar and Cambodia are frequently accused of committing crimes in the kingdom, where they make up a vast, poorly-paid and low-status workforce.

- 'Affected our image' -

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.

Thai authorities were working "swiftly" to find the killers, he added.

The family of David Miller said he had been in Thailand on a "well-deserved break" in between finishing a degree in civil and structural engineering at Leeds University in June and starting a masters.

Miller, a "talented" artist who had been due to leave Thailand on Tuesday, was "hard-working, bright, conscientious, with everything to look forward to", his family said in a statement issued by the British Foreign Office.

"We all adored him," the statement read. "He will be sorely, sorely missed."

Koh Tao, home to stunning white sand beaches and azure waters, is popular with divers but is smaller and more laid-back than neighbouring Koh Phanga, which draws hordes of backpackers to its hedonistic "full moon" party.

Speaking later, Prayut said Thais must tell "tourists when the safe times are to be outside, we have to help them understand."

Police earlier said the pair had been seen partying at a local bar just hours before they died.

Thailand will be desperate to avoid further damage to the nation's lucrative tourism industry, which has been battered in recent months after a prolonged political crisis ended in a coup.

The army swiftly blanketed the country with a curfew and strict martial law, frightening off visitors.

Although the curfew was soon lifted from key tourist hotspots, visitor numbers have yet to rebound and martial law remains in place.

Military leaders have vowed to restore the nation's reputation as the "Land of Smiles" with a clean-up targeting tourist resorts after a series of complaints about scams, assaults and even police extortion.

Britain says Thailand is the country where its citizens are second most likely to require consular assistance if they visit, behind the Philippines.

There were 389 deaths of British nationals in Thailand in the year to March 2013 -- about one for every 2,400 British visitors or residents -- although that figure includes natural causes.

But it is rare for tourists to be murdered in Thailand, although it is not uncommon for visitors to die accidentally.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-09-17

[webfact]

MURDERS
Myanmar suspects released
Agence France Presse, The Nation

BANGKOK: -- POLICE LAST NIGHT ruled out three Myanmar workers being involved in the murder of two British tourists, as the government appeared to call into question the "behaviour" of the victims themselves.

The bodies of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, both 24, arrived in Bangkok late yesterday for forensic examination.

The victims were found naked and beaten to death early on Monday near a beachside bungalow on Koh Tao, a popular diving spot near Koh Pha-ngan. A bloodied hoe was discovered 35 metres from the murder scene.

Three male Myanmar workers were held for questioning, but ruled out of the investigation yesterday afternoon, southern regional police commander Panya Mamen told AFP.

"They were very far from the scene ... it was probably not them," he said, adding that DNA samples had been collected from the men. However, he did not give details of any further leads as the manhunt on the small, normally tranquil island stretched into a second day without an arrest.

Police have also cleared a number of British tourists who travelled with the victims of being involved.

Earlier yesterday, local TV news reports showed police officers searching several shacks belonging to Myanmar migrants on the island.

Yesterday, Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha said "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, adding the authorities were working "swiftly" to find the killers.

Koh Tao, home to stunning white sand beaches and azure waters, is popular with divers but is smaller and more laid-back than neighbouring Koh Phangan—which draws hordes of backpackers to its hedonistic "full moon" party.

Later Prayuth said local people must tell "tourists when the safe times are to be outside, we have to help them understand".

Police had earlier said the pair had been seen partying at a local bar just hours before they died.

Police sources said police had found a pair of blood-stained jeans and four iPhones - two of which had screens that were cracked - in a search of nine rooms occupied by six migrants yesterday.

The country is desperate to avoid further damage to the nation's lucrative tourism industry, which has been battered in recent months after a prolonged political crisis ended in a coup.

The army swiftly blanketed the country with a curfew and strict martial law, frightening off visitors.

Britain says Thailand is the country where its citizens are second most likely to require consular assistance if they visit, behind the Philippines.

There were 389 deaths of British nationals in Thailand in the year to March 2013 -- about one for every 2,400 British visitors or residents—although that figure includes natural causes.

But it is rare for tourists to be murdered in Thailand, although it is not uncommon for visitors to die accidentally.

Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmueng earlier said the suspect is seen in the footage walking around the scene of the murders, on Chor Por Ror beach.

Somyot said it was assumed that the killer or killers would be local residents or migrant workers, as they would know where to acquire the murder weapon - a hoe.

He said Prayuth Chan-ocha had phoned him to directly instruct him to identify and arrest those responsible as a matter of utmost urgency.

Prayuth spoke to reporters at Government House, acknowledging that the murders had affected Thailand and its public image in terms of tourism, and that he would ask the police to speed up the investigation.

Meanwhile, the regional Tourism Authority office tasked with affairs in Europe, Africa and the Middle East issued a statement to the press in the United Kingdom expressing sorrow over the double-murder and condemning the violence as unacceptable, while vowing to maintain efforts to identify and arrest the killers.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Myanmar-suspects-released-30243457.html


-- The Nation 2014-09-17

[EricBerg]

Now that the usual suspects have been proven innocent the BiB can start doing some real work. I hope this time they will allow UK police to help. That most certainly will "affect" Thai image in a positive way. Fear of loss of face, pride, extreme nationalism do not help catch murderers.

[jucel]

I am disgusted that the PM of any country could utter such words. Reprehensible

[Bender]

But it is rare for tourists to be murdered in Thailand, although it is not uncommon for visitors to die accidentally.

i can make you a long list of foreigner who have been murdered in thailand.

I can make you a bigger one of tourist who jumped from their balcony....

But it will certainly take me some time to make a list of all the foreigner who have been assaulted or raped in thailand!

for thai, these events are still "rare" because our life doesnt worth nothing!

[NongKhaiKid]

Add this to his ' looking at the actions of the other side ' comment and once again is shows the mindset of Thais.

Yesterday the president of the local tourist authority said the incident would likely adversely affect visitor arrivals to the island but nothing about those who lost their lives but of course tourist revenue is more important.

Does any aspect of officialdom realise that this story is playing around the world and their attitudes don't show LoS in any sort of favourable light.

Of course Thais don't worry what others think but they do worry about losing money and are making no bones about it.

[Fred Flinstone]

This is positive news.

Resisting the temptation to have some patsy's take the fall for the crime , and go after the real culprit's is refreshing.

It was a particularly gruesome horrific pair of murders, a barbaric crime, that demands justice.

Lets hope they catch the criminal (s)

I know we cancelled our daughters planned trip there as a consequence .

The thought of what occurred just too sickening to place a loved one in that location.

She is now heading to Vietnam .

I am sure many other parents will do the same .

This will have a massive effect on travellers confidence its the 22nd murder of tourists in that country in just one year!

God what is going on?

Tragic……But all praise to authorities for not sweeping it under the carpet this time.

Perhaps , in the future traveller's to Thailand can regain some faith in the Countries security.?

Good luck catching the Killers.

[jucel]

This is positive news.

Resisting the temptation to have some patsy's take the fall for the crime , and go after the real culprit's is refreshing.

It was a particularly gruesome horrific pair of murders, a barbaric crime, that demands justice.

Lets hope they catch the criminal (s)

I know we cancelled our daughters planned trip there as a consequence further caught or not.

The thought of what occurred just too sickening to place a loved one in that location.

I am sure many other parents will do the same .

This will have a massive effect on travellers confidence its the 22 murder of tourists in that country in just one year!

God what is going on?

Tragic……But all praise to authorities for not sweeping it under the carpet this time.

Too right, there is at the moment a deranged killer/killers on the run. Let's make no bones about it, what they did to that young woman was abhorrent.

[daveAustin]

I am disgusted that the PM of any country could utter such words. Reprehensible

Yes, it makes my blood boil that he would follow suit. I'm actually becoming ashamed to tell people I live here.

[Jeremy50]

I am disgusted that the PM of any country could utter such words. Reprehensible

His resignation might help restore the 'image' of the country.

[wilcopops]

""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," so what "behaviour" is that? Having a holiday in Thailand or getting in the way of violent people?

[chooka]

I am disgusted that the PM of any country could utter such words. Reprehensible

I also find his comment total disgusting, insensitive and insulting to the family. Blaming the victims is sickening and his comment was aired on Australian ABC News this morning and has been discussed on 3AW radio where a number of people have voiced thier disgust. The P.M has caused far more damage to Thailands reputation than these two inocent victims ever did. The P.M needs to imeadiately make a full and public apology to the families to try and restore Thailands image but that will probably be a severe loss of face.

The lowest of Low

[Lozza]

MURDERS

Myanmar suspects released

Agence France Presse, The Nation

BANGKOK: -- POLICE LAST NIGHT ruled out three Myanmar workers being involved in the murder of two British tourists, as the government appeared to call into question the "behaviour" of the victims themselves.

The bodies of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, both 24, arrived in Bangkok late yesterday for forensic examination.

The victims were found naked and beaten to death early on Monday near a beachside bungalow on Koh Tao, a popular diving spot near Koh Pha-ngan. A bloodied hoe was discovered 35 metres from the murder scene.

Three male Myanmar workers were held for questioning, but ruled out of the investigation yesterday afternoon, southern regional police commander Panya Mamen told AFP.

"They were very far from the scene ... it was probably not them," he said, adding that DNA samples had been collected from the men. However, he did not give details of any further leads as the manhunt on the small, normally tranquil island stretched into a second day without an arrest.

Police have also cleared a number of British tourists who travelled with the victims of being involved.

Earlier yesterday, local TV news reports showed police officers searching several shacks belonging to Myanmar migrants on the island.

Yesterday, Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha said "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, adding the authorities were working "swiftly" to find the killers.

Koh Tao, home to stunning white sand beaches and azure waters, is popular with divers but is smaller and more laid-back than neighbouring Koh Phangan—which draws hordes of backpackers to its hedonistic "full moon" party.

Later Prayuth said local people must tell "tourists when the safe times are to be outside, we have to help them understand".

Police had earlier said the pair had been seen partying at a local bar just hours before they died.

Police sources said police had found a pair of blood-stained jeans and four iPhones - two of which had screens that were cracked - in a search of nine rooms occupied by six migrants yesterday.

The country is desperate to avoid further damage to the nation's lucrative tourism industry, which has been battered in recent months after a prolonged political crisis ended in a coup.

The army swiftly blanketed the country with a curfew and strict martial law, frightening off visitors.

Britain says Thailand is the country where its citizens are second most likely to require consular assistance if they visit, behind the Philippines.

There were 389 deaths of British nationals in Thailand in the year to March 2013 -- about one for every 2,400 British visitors or residents—although that figure includes natural causes.

But it is rare for tourists to be murdered in Thailand, although it is not uncommon for visitors to die accidentally.

Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmueng earlier said the suspect is seen in the footage walking around the scene of the murders, on Chor Por Ror beach.

Somyot said it was assumed that the killer or killers would be local residents or migrant workers, as they would know where to acquire the murder weapon - a hoe.

He said Prayuth Chan-ocha had phoned him to directly instruct him to identify and arrest those responsible as a matter of utmost urgency.

Prayuth spoke to reporters at Government House, acknowledging that the murders had affected Thailand and its public image in terms of tourism, and that he would ask the police to speed up the investigation.

Meanwhile, the regional Tourism Authority office tasked with affairs in Europe, Africa and the Middle East issued a statement to the press in the United Kingdom expressing sorrow over the double-murder and condemning the violence as unacceptable, while vowing to maintain efforts to identify and arrest the killers.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Myanmar-suspects-released-30243457.html

-- The Nation 2014-09-17

This is new information. If you look at 0.28 of the original video you will see the suspect walking all over the crime scene.

[kingalfred]

So they were having sex on the beach and thats justification for some disapproving hypocritical Thai to smash their heads in? Lets have this part of the story "in the news" . No justice EVER for foreigners in the Land of Shame.

[Fred Flinstone]

I am disgusted that the PM of any country could utter such words. Reprehensible

I also find his comment total disgusting, insensitive and insulting to the family. Blaming the victims is sickening and his comment was aired on Australian ABC News this morning and has been discussed on 3AW radio where a number of people have voiced thier disgust. The P.M has caused far more damage to Thailands reputation than these two inocent victims ever did. The P.M needs to imeadiately make a full and public apology to the families to try and restore Thailands image but that will probably be a severe loss of face.

The lowest of Low

Thanks for bringing that to our attention , we were unaware of this.

Cancelling our daughters trip there was the correct thing to do, but in light of the highest office in their land saying this , more so.

Its a reflection of a very unenlightened mind-set, and disturbing almost as much as the crime.

Words can not express the effect it must have on the parents/ family.

Very nasty , and uncalled for.

Horrible short sighted , vile disregard and certain to have phones ringing world wide asking Flight centres to change destinations.

Worst remark i have heard in a very long time.

[Kooweerup]

Totally disgusting comment by a world leader into the face of the grieving families. He has probably increased thier grief for blaming thier children for the crime. This man should resign now and issue a formal apology to the families and the world. Mr P.M you have people shaking thier heads in disgust at you and Thailand right around the world because of your sick insensitive and extremely disgusting comment about the death of foreigners.

[culicine]

""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," so what "behaviour" is that? Having a holiday in Thailand or getting in the way of violent people?

He's implying they had public sex / nudity. So he is saying its OK to murder and rape someone because some Thai's sensibilities were offended. Sickening... I hope the western press have gotten a hold of this. Anyway, this PM is hardly representative of the majority of Thais....how can an unelected PM be anything else?

[Crossy]

""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," so what "behaviour" is that? Having a holiday in Thailand or getting in the way of violent people?

He's implying they had public sex / nudity. So he is saying its OK to murder and rape someone because some Thai's sensibilities were offended. Sickening... I hope the western press have gotten a hold of this. Anyway, this PM is hardly representative of the majority of Thais....how can an unelected PM be anything else?

The D**** M*** (content blocked in Thailand) is carrying this story, front page of the online edition.

[webfact]

Thailand deaths: Police have 'number of suspects'

(BBC) Police investigating the deaths of two Britons in Thailand say they are looking for a number of suspects - but have ruled out other British tourists.

Thai police previously said they were looking for a British friend of David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23.

The pair were found dead on a beach in Koh Tao on Monday, having suffered serious injuries in an attack.

Police said they were now focussing their investigation on the Burmese migrant worker community on the island.

Mr Miller, from Jersey, and Ms Witheridge, from Hemsby in Norfolk, were found close to the beach-side bungalows where they had been staying.

A garden hoe believed to have been used in the attack was found nearby.

Full story: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-29217490


-- BBC 2014-09-17

[ColdSingha]

utterly disgusted by prayuth's comments.

hanging my head in shame over this

[dBrown]

Later Prayuth said local people must tell "tourists when the safe times are to be outside, we have to help them understand".

So in hub of the world of tourism there are times of the day that it isn't safe to walk on the streets ?

[Nickymaster]

""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," so what "behaviour" is that? Having a holiday in Thailand or getting in the way of violent people?

He's implying they had public sex / nudity. So he is saying its OK to murder and rape someone because some Thai's sensibilities were offended. Sickening... I hope the western press have gotten a hold of this. Anyway, this PM is hardly representative of the majority of Thais....how can an unelected PM be anything else?

cheap shot. A post full of emotions. Drama queen. Shame on you.

[Kooweerup]

""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," so what "behaviour" is that? Having a holiday in Thailand or getting in the way of violent people?

He's implying they had public sex / nudity. So he is saying its OK to murder and rape someone because some Thai's sensibilities were offended. Sickening... I hope the western press have gotten a hold of this. Anyway, this PM is hardly representative of the majority of Thais....how can an unelected PM be anything else?

They have in Australia and they find the P.M comments sickening. I hope his people have bought the international disgust to his attention and he apologises imeadiately.

[Tatsujin]

Well, despite the fact that I think Prayuth has done a reasonably good job in a lot of different areas, his comments about this were totally inappropriate and just goes to show the whole world that Thailand continues to blame EVERYONE else for EVERYTHING and never take responsibility for anything.

As a (supposed) top class tourist destination, Thailand has an inherent duty to protect it's citizens AND those tourists from harm, wherever they may be, whether accidental or not, and they are failing at this big time. Blaming the tourists and stating that they need to be "educated" is simply disgusting.

TO THE POLICE: How about doing your <deleted> jobs for once and when something horrible goes wrong, holding your hands up and saying "sorry, we failed you, we'll try harder" . . . how about walking those beaches and areas where there are large groups of tourists perhaps, walking the beat as such, rather than sitting on your lazy, fat ass's doing <deleted> all except shaking people down for not wearing a helmet. And a smile every now and again would do wonders. That would be a better use of your time.

[culicine]

""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," so what "behaviour" is that? Having a holiday in Thailand or getting in the way of violent people?

He's implying they had public sex / nudity. So he is saying its OK to murder and rape someone because some Thai's sensibilities were offended. Sickening... I hope the western press have gotten a hold of this. Anyway, this PM is hardly representative of the majority of Thais....how can an unelected PM be anything else?

cheap shot. A post full of emotions. Drama queen. Shame on you.

Really? Hope it never happens to your child!

[spidermike007]

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.

Thai authorities were working "swiftly" to find the killers, he added.

The family of David Miller said he had been in Thailand on a "well-deserved break" in between finishing a degree in civil and structural engineering at Leeds University in June and starting a masters.

Miller, a "talented" artist who had been due to leave Thailand on Tuesday, was "hard-working, bright, conscientious, with everything to look forward to", his family said in a statement issued by the British Foreign Office.

"We all adored him," the statement read. "He will be sorely, sorely missed."

Koh Tao, home to stunning white sand beaches and azure waters, is popular with divers but is smaller and more laid-back than neighbouring Koh Phanga, which draws hordes of backpackers to its hedonistic "full moon" party.

Speaking later, Prayut said Thais must tell "tourists when the safe times are to be outside, we have to help them understand."

If he really said this, one is at a loss for words. So, now it is irresponsible to be outside at night time. A couple can no longer go to the beach at night. Is this really what he is saying? If so, is he admitting that Thailand is unsafe at night? Is he saying that this place has become so unpredictable, that there is now a safe time and an unsafe time, to be outside? What can one say? Looks like he needs a PR person to vet his comments.

[Nickymaster]

""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," so what "behaviour" is that? Having a holiday in Thailand or getting in the way of violent people?

correct. Many questions. People who say that prayuth says it is ok to kill these people should stop. Or be stopped by the mod. I read disgusting statements here.

[meatboy]

first of all it was a farang no1 suspect,then it was burmese,both have been ruled out,and they are now running out of suspects.

so after the p.m.statement you can see where this is heading.

[Lozza]

MURDERS

Myanmar suspects released

Agence France Presse, The Nation

BANGKOK: -- POLICE LAST NIGHT ruled out three Myanmar workers being involved in the murder of two British tourists, as the government appeared to call into question the "behaviour" of the victims themselves.

The bodies of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, both 24, arrived in Bangkok late yesterday for forensic examination.

The victims were found naked and beaten to death early on Monday near a beachside bungalow on Koh Tao, a popular diving spot near Koh Pha-ngan. A bloodied hoe was discovered 35 metres from the murder scene.

Three male Myanmar workers were held for questioning, but ruled out of the investigation yesterday afternoon, southern regional police commander Panya Mamen told AFP.

"They were very far from the scene ... it was probably not them," he said, adding that DNA samples had been collected from the men. However, he did not give details of any further leads as the manhunt on the small, normally tranquil island stretched into a second day without an arrest.

Police have also cleared a number of British tourists who travelled with the victims of being involved.

Earlier yesterday, local TV news reports showed police officers searching several shacks belonging to Myanmar migrants on the island.

Yesterday, Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha said "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, adding the authorities were working "swiftly" to find the killers.

Koh Tao, home to stunning white sand beaches and azure waters, is popular with divers but is smaller and more laid-back than neighbouring Koh Phangan—which draws hordes of backpackers to its hedonistic "full moon" party.

Later Prayuth said local people must tell "tourists when the safe times are to be outside, we have to help them understand".

Police had earlier said the pair had been seen partying at a local bar just hours before they died.

Police sources said police had found a pair of blood-stained jeans and four iPhones - two of which had screens that were cracked - in a search of nine rooms occupied by six migrants yesterday.

The country is desperate to avoid further damage to the nation's lucrative tourism industry, which has been battered in recent months after a prolonged political crisis ended in a coup.

The army swiftly blanketed the country with a curfew and strict martial law, frightening off visitors.

Britain says Thailand is the country where its citizens are second most likely to require consular assistance if they visit, behind the Philippines.

There were 389 deaths of British nationals in Thailand in the year to March 2013 -- about one for every 2,400 British visitors or residents—although that figure includes natural causes.

But it is rare for tourists to be murdered in Thailand, although it is not uncommon for visitors to die accidentally.

Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmueng earlier said the suspect is seen in the footage walking around the scene of the murders, on Chor Por Ror beach.

Somyot said it was assumed that the killer or killers would be local residents or migrant workers, as they would know where to acquire the murder weapon - a hoe.

He said Prayuth Chan-ocha had phoned him to directly instruct him to identify and arrest those responsible as a matter of utmost urgency.

Prayuth spoke to reporters at Government House, acknowledging that the murders had affected Thailand and its public image in terms of tourism, and that he would ask the police to speed up the investigation.

Meanwhile, the regional Tourism Authority office tasked with affairs in Europe, Africa and the Middle East issued a statement to the press in the United Kingdom expressing sorrow over the double-murder and condemning the violence as unacceptable, while vowing to maintain efforts to identify and arrest the killers.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Myanmar-suspects-released-30243457.html

-- The Nation 2014-09-17

This is new information. If you look at 0.28 of the original video you will see the suspect walking all over the crime scene.

sorry, I can't find it now...can someone help with this link-forgot the suspect is the scruffy young guy asian appearance w black t shirt

[Nickymaster]

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.

Thai authorities were working "swiftly" to find the killers, he added.

The family of David Miller said he had been in Thailand on a "well-deserved break" in between finishing a degree in civil and structural engineering at Leeds University in June and starting a masters.

Miller, a "talented" artist who had been due to leave Thailand on Tuesday, was "hard-working, bright, conscientious, with everything to look forward to", his family said in a statement issued by the British Foreign Office.

"We all adored him," the statement read. "He will be sorely, sorely missed."

Koh Tao, home to stunning white sand beaches and azure waters, is popular with divers but is smaller and more laid-back than neighbouring Koh Phanga, which draws hordes of backpackers to its hedonistic "full moon" party.

Speaking later, Prayut said Thais must tell "tourists when the safe times are to be outside, we have to help them understand."

If he really said this, one is at a loss for words. So, now it is irresponsible to be outside at night time. A couple can no longer go to the beach at night. Is this really what he is saying? If so, is he admitting that Thailand is unsafe at night? Is he saying that this place has become so unpredictable, that there is now a safe time and an unsafe time, to be outside? What can one say? Looks like he needs a PR person to vet his comments.

I believe Prayuth is trying to say that it is dangerous to have some romance on a beach in the middle of the night. Many desperate workers (people) around who might get aroused by that and might do dangerous things.

That's how i understand it.