Thailand beach murders: Hannah Witheridge and David Miller may have argued in bar with gangster

[metisdead]

Bump:

This is an English language forum, except for the Thai language forum where Thai language is allowed. With that in mind, if you're going to post links to news sources, let's use English language sites for any news updates. Posts containing links to Thai language sites have been removed as well as the replies.

Other nonsense posts have been removed as well as the replies.

[ggt]

It appears the police and press are doing everything they can to evade the possibility that the killer or killers are Thai...arguing with a Thai in a bar is not a good idea...you can count on many...if not most...to be able to enact bad will upon your person...Thai answer to an argument...knives...guns...gangs of thugs...and of course the old standby...a hoe normally used for farming...

Thailand is relatively safe...if you stay in your room...order food and beverage...and massage...watch a little TV...then go to bed...not to town...

Any town after midnight...can be considered an unsafe place to be walking or traveling alone...

[belg]

why they don't offer 10 million baht, that the criminals can endorse if they surrender

the police just have to add: "dead or alive" on the warrent, after they "cought" them

does the police also not get a part of the reward money, when they are supposed to do "their job" ...

police might suspect some ya ba ... too difficult to pick up the dealers with the hand in the cookie jar, right ?

[recycled]

Firk me, leave me alone, it just gets more and more pathetic.

[SirBser]

Police found the guy on the security camera, he worked at a entertainment bar near the crime scene. It's one Thai and one Burma.

Also the reward is at 713,000 baht now

Edited September 21, 2014 by SirBser

[mango66]

IMHO, when it was not yet done, thoroughly(!?), the AC Bar, and the party there, should be investigated in detail, focussing on 'Asian' people. The staff working there must know the (nick-)names of all regular 'Asian' customers, people from the island, or residing there, or often visiting for business or so, make them 'spill the beans', interrogate each of the ones they name, and go further that way, paying special attention to named individuals who would NOT be on the island, and trying to 'locate' those a.s.a.p.. Also, ask on every possible international media (UK newspapers!), for anyone who has been at the AC bar, not only that night, to e-mail every picture they would have been taking in and around that place, with their possible comments about contacts with 'Asians' there! Further investigation of 'Asian' workers, 'Asian' fishermen and 'Asian' long(er) stay visitors can go on in parallel, but my 'gut feeling' is that at least one of the murderers/rapists were there at the AC bar after the victims arrived on Tao if not on that evening, and this were NOT 'opportunistic' murders, that, at least what the regretted young lady is concerned, there was/were previous contact(s) with at least one of the perpetrators, who would have been the instigator. It would in addition be extremely interesting to a.s.a.p. ask the victims' friends (in the UK now...) whether there was/were any 'Asian' person(s) they would remember to have met on Koh Tao, and, importantly, possibly would have also met previously on Koh Pha Ngan (where they were staying on before). After having become those informations, it might still be necessary to check at the places where they have been staying, eating, drinking on Pha Ngan, their local and transfer transportation, to gather additional evidence.

thais dont want the gungsters to be catched,

because thye are their family !!

we are just farongs !!

[toooa]

If the Po' leet can't get it sorted, send the army's envoy in....call a meeting of the chieftains. Tell them we're gonna find out who it was even if we have to DNA test every male local on the island from 16 - 25yrs. At the same time up the bounty. The traditional Stick and Carrot method.

Start a website where locals,businesses and even foreigners can anonymously pledge money towards the bounty, and put the word out. It's in the interest of every business on the island to have this cleared up. If they've got DNA samples there's no way this can be fudged. Who wouldn't make a donation to make sure the tourists trust the people on the island again? Every bird has its price, and we know somebody knows something that they're not telling....yet.

Once the bounty gets up past 1,000,000 baht there'll be plenty of interested parties. See how long it is before someone grasses them up for the grand prize. Winner takes all. Only a matter of time. Let the market decide.

Anyone who wants to exonerate themselves need only supply a DNA sample. I'll admit, its a bit fascist, but I'm sure the army could make it happen if there was a will.

[SirBser]

IMHO, when it was not yet done, thoroughly(!?), the AC Bar, and the party there, should be investigated in detail, focussing on 'Asian' people. The staff working there must know the (nick-)names of all regular 'Asian' customers, people from the island, or residing there, or often visiting for business or so, make them 'spill the beans', interrogate each of the ones they name, and go further that way, paying special attention to named individuals who would NOT be on the island, and trying to 'locate' those a.s.a.p.. Also, ask on every possible international media (UK newspapers!), for anyone who has been at the AC bar, not only that night, to e-mail every picture they would have been taking in and around that place, with their possible comments about contacts with 'Asians' there! Further investigation of 'Asian' workers, 'Asian' fishermen and 'Asian' long(er) stay visitors can go on in parallel, but my 'gut feeling' is that at least one of the murderers/rapists were there at the AC bar after the victims arrived on Tao if not on that evening, and this were NOT 'opportunistic' murders, that, at least what the regretted young lady is concerned, there was/were previous contact(s) with at least one of the perpetrators, who would have been the instigator. It would in addition be extremely interesting to a.s.a.p. ask the victims' friends (in the UK now...) whether there was/were any 'Asian' person(s) they would remember to have met on Koh Tao, and, importantly, possibly would have also met previously on Koh Pha Ngan (where they were staying on before). After having become those informations, it might still be necessary to check at the places where they have been staying, eating, drinking on Pha Ngan, their local and transfer transportation, to gather additional evidence.

thais dont want the gungsters to be catched,

because thye are their family !!

we are just farongs !!

They got 2 main suspects, a Burmese and a Thai.

They worked at a bar nearby the crime scene.

Read BKKpost

It's the guy on CCTV only where shorts.

Edited September 21, 2014 by SirBser

[hughben]

Surely the local gangster would have done him in in the bar. They don't stop to think about ramifications when it comes to face.

Just look at the video doing the rounds of the Thais beating up a drunk farang in Pattaya.

[englishoak]

Seems like a lot of new information will be out soon..

they have the guy who ran past the CCTV, hes says something about running to go have a look at the scene.. but the time on the CCTV was 3 hrs before the original report was supposed to have been made about the murders....was there a delay or just the BIB getting the time of the report wrong ? the guys connected to one of the families there and a boss of one of the businesses. but hes clear of suspicion apparently

same paper claims 2 Thai 1 Myanmar link on main suspects, what thats based on no idea, found a guy who runs a speedboat business from Koh Tao to Phanyang hiding in a cave on Samui .. no idea what thats about ... paper is sanook but its in Thai so cant link

Edited September 21, 2014 by englishoak

[SeaVisionBurma]

Off topic post removed

[englishoak]

Police found the guy on the security camera, he worked at a entertainment bar near the crime scene. It's one Thai and one Burma.

There under intense interrogation.

Also the reward is at 713,000 baht now

500k of that from Thai Orient Airlines chairman, respect to Udom Tantiprasongchai

[Mackie]

It appears that the motive was sexual jealousy.

Thai Murders: 'Beautiful Hannah' Brought Home

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/thai-murders-sexual-jealousy-motive-110923625.html?vp=1#UvADMiB

The family of a British backpacker murdered in Thailand say they have brought their "beautiful Hannah" back to the UK.

It is nearly a week since the bodies of Hannah Witheridge, 23, and fellow Brit David Miller, 24, were found on a beach in Koh Tao, also known as Turtle Island.

In their first statement since the deaths, Ms Witheridge's family said they travelled to Bangkok on Tuesday.

"The main purpose of our trip was to bring our beloved Hannah home and to obtain information on the investigation," they said.

"We can confirm that we have now returned to the UK with our beautiful Hannah.

"As a family we feel enormous relief to have Hannah back at home where she belongs.

"We continue to work closely with officers to assist in the investigation and bring those responsible to justice.

"Our family is broken and require time to grieve in private - as do Hannah's many friends.”

Ms Witheridge, from Great Yarmouth, suffered severe head wounds and Mr Miller, from Jersey, died from blows to the head and drowning, post-mortem examinations showed.

A garden hoe with Ms Witheridge's blood on it was discovered nearby, and investigators are searching for a blunt metal object used on Mr Miller.

Earlier, police hunting the killer told Sky News "sexual jealousy" may be the motive for the killings.

Sky's Jonathan Samuels, who is on the island, said officers have asked police in the UK to speak to British friends of the travellers to find out about their interactions in the days leading up to the murders.

He said: "They are also investigating rumours that they may have had a row with a Thai man in a bar."

Police Colonel Kissana Phathanacharoen said: "We have asked the Met Police to go back and ask their friends if they can help with any further information."

He added: "We still believe sexual jealously is at the heart of this crime.

"We are aware of reports they may have been involved in a row in a bar with a Thai man and we are currently investigating."

Police previously said DNA taken from the body of Ms Witheridge matches that of two Asian men.

Officers also said they do not know if the killer is still on Koh Tao, where she and Mr Miller were found murdered.

Sky News has obtained exclusive CCTV video of Ms Witheridge in the hours before she was killed, walking between bars with a group of friends.

[Loles]

Maybe, May, Maybe, ..... every day we get a new "maybe".

Maybe tomorrow comes ET, the Big Foot or a militant Japanese combat who still fights from WW2.

This case will go to the soup, like earlier cases of raped and murdered western girls. Shame.

Edited September 21, 2014 by Loles

[kingalfred]

Plenty of "mafia gangsters" on the small islands. they get free rein.No hassle from what is loosely called "law enforcement" General needs a "sort out" on the smaller isles as he did routing out the Phuket RTP

[Wilsonandson]

I think it's time for the British Ambassador of Thailand to make a statement appealing for witnesses to come forward.

[metisdead]

A flame post has been removed. Other bickering posts about language have been removed.

[doremifasol]

It is sad that you MUST write an article when there is nothing to say.

[Wilsonandson]

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/thai-murders-sexual-jealousy-motive-110923625.html#lqg5Klc Time to use all resources at hand to track down Hannah's and David's killers!

[Wilsonandson]

Ambassador Kent, please help

[Thai at Heart]

A gangster who did it? Nah, a gangster without a gun? Commit a complete unprofitable murder? A gangster has a boss too. And it won't save your face, because nobody knows about it? Nope, a gangster theory seems to be unlikely.

IF the killers flee the island, then somebody have brought them. Interview the boatmen, the skippers, here and at other locations like Pattaya. I still believe it's local and somebody is keeping his mouth shut, a friend, parents, whoever.

I do believe that yabaah is involved, must be, not one normal soul would do a thing like this. Indeed, question the drug dealers and it might be the drug dealer who fled for the police, because he knew their names.

I hope the police is reading this forum to, chock dee.

These young hoodlums can be completely out of control . Some of them are feted and spoilt beyond belief. They trade off their family name and can get emboldened.

I can easily see a young wannabee doing this thinking he could get away with it and so far he has. Don't forget, some idiots have assassinated police in full view of an entire bar and got away with it.

[chrisinth]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

It appears the police and press are doing everything they can to evade the possibility that the killer or killers are Thai...arguing with a Thai in a bar is not a good idea...you can count on many...if not most...to be able to enact bad will upon your person...Thai answer to an argument...knives...guns...gangs of thugs...and of course the old standby...a hoe normally used for farming...

Thailand is relatively safe...if you stay in your room...order food and beverage...and massage...watch a little TV...then go to bed...not to town...

Any town after midnight...can be considered an unsafe place to be walking or traveling alone...

"Thailand is relatively safe...if you stay in your room...order food and beverage...and massage...watch a little TV...then go to bed...not to town..."

Just a little bit dramatic eh ggt?

[Wilsonandson]

Rest in peace Hannah and David , as we shall never rest until your killers are brought to justice.

[yougivemebaby]

Somebody knows something. The truth will come out soon. I wish the police or family would get on TV and make a plea for someone to come forward for this heinous crime.

[SanSaiExPat]

I ask the reader here to refrain from any softening of resolve.

Thais understand this website represents westerner opinion .

Though , i hold some respect for the latest, i know it is about time.

Thais will bite time.

No one can deny this is their mentality.

Don't fall for this trap.

Wait.

This is the generals moment .

He can become "internationally credible " If he has the stomach to crucify the criminals" not literally , but figuratively tough….

Even if protected - arrest them…..

If he transcends the red tape and give "US westerners "" our justice he will indeed be able to deem himself "an arrival on the world stage""

But execution is very necessary to heal these deep wounds ….

You can become very believable if you arrest and kill these bastards

You actually expect this to come from leadership that robbed a people of it's democracy?

[chrisinth]

One thing I find disconcerting (out of many) about this high profile heinous crime is the apparent lack of voluntary statements from the friends of the two victims. Or, if there were statements made, the lack of follow-up from the authorities.

I say this as it is only being said about the possible argument in the bar with a local gangster. To me, this would be a critical starting point in the investigation. All the speculation about DNA testing over the last week has been mind boggling, and while I have the greatest respect for evolving technology, sometimes the clues that are needed are staring you in the face.

Just my couple of bahts worth.

[blu3]

One thing I find disconcerting (out of many) about this high profile heinous crime is the apparent lack of voluntary statements from the friends of the two victims. Or, if there were statements made, the lack of follow-up from the authorities.

I say this as it is only being said about the possible argument in the bar with a local gangster. To me, this would be a critical starting point in the investigation. All the speculation about DNA testing over the last week has been mind boggling, and while I have the greatest respect for evolving technology, sometimes the clues that are needed are staring you in the face.

Just my couple of bahts worth.

Yup. I've been saying the same for the last couple of days. They looked to be in a fairly large group that night. The police must be able to put together a pretty solid timeline of events by now.

[PaddyDaddy]

There has been footage of the male victim walking alone & it has been said that he returned to his hotel. When he discovered that the female victim was not there, he went looking for her.

For what it's worth, I think a likely scenario could be, the girl took a walk on the beach for no other reason than to be beside the sea. She came across a few guys having a smoke or playing music etc etc & because she didn't feel threatened she shared a smoke & chat with them. Things got out of hand & they attacked her.

David, who has being searching for her, comes across a scene of rape & tries his best to save young Hannah but due to the number of other guys there, he is beaten down & killed. Hannah suffers the same fate as she is a witness.

Unfortunately, the truth will never be known because even if they do catch these guys, the stories will be so far fetched that Stephen King could not write it for them.

[Fat Haggis]

One thing I find disconcerting (out of many) about this high profile heinous crime is the apparent lack of voluntary statements from the friends of the two victims. Or, if there were statements made, the lack of follow-up from the authorities.

I say this as it is only being said about the possible argument in the bar with a local gangster. To me, this would be a critical starting point in the investigation. All the speculation about DNA testing over the last week has been mind boggling, and while I have the greatest respect for evolving technology, sometimes the clues that are needed are staring you in the face.

Just my couple of bahts worth.

You're making a couple of assumptions there.

What makes you think that the group company they were in were friends? Could they not all have been meeting up for the first time in the bar?

Lack of statements? Another assumption, the Police managed to get the statements from the two brothers who were David's travelling companions easily enough.

Lack of follow up? You mean because the Keystone cops haven't openly stated anything it means they've done nothing?

But you do have some valid points, and I would, if I were on the case be trying to establish the following

Who was Hannah's travelling companion(s) or was she travelling alone?

How long had she been on the Island, and what was her routine whilst there ?

Was she the type of girl who was comfortable in her surroundings?

Did she frequent the bar in question, or was it a first night there?

Whom did she socialise with during the daylight hours and the same for the night time ?

Did she share a room with a female friend or was she on the Island alone ?

I'm sure there would be a Thai Detective smart enough to ask the same questions... perhaps

AS to why people who were in the bar are not coming forwards, there could be several reasons, visa and work permits or the lack of being one of them?

Knowing the reputation of the suspected bad guy, and not willing to shyt in your own nest, irrespective of the crime.

FEAR of the same thing happening to them..

[GOLDBUGGY]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Please, no more of Police said that and police said the other.

Get the bloody murderer/s, and I will congratulate you with all my heart.

Don't try to make it a novel, this is a gruesome murder that has to be solved and very soon.

I see your point. But I think it is mostly because this case has caught world attention.

If you are just a small town cop, or a big time cop who's job may be on the line if you bugger this up, I think you would tend to be nervous and shoot off at the mouth a bit more.