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

[Albertosez]

I cant see anyone who is hand cuffed ?

[Whyamiandwhatamidoinghere]

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.

So why don't you pass the hat around in thaivisa forum and help push the reward pass 1,000,000 baht. That should be easy to do with all the rich retired Farangs in here. Or is it just big mouths with Leo beer pockets. In my opinion, instead of offering all of these crime theories that their money would be a more appropriate offering. If there was 1baht donated for ever letter of the alphabet and every punctuation mark used on the threads about this tragic story then it is possible an informant would have already come forward with the Ville information to catch these bastards. Money talks... bullshit theories walk.

[BringMeSunshine]

I cant see anyone who is hand cuffed ?

There is a picture up the page with him standing with/ behind the police while they initially inspect the scene. He has his hands behind his back, but there's nothing to indicate that he is handcuffed.

[Albertosez]

I cant see anyone who is hand cuffed ?

There is a picture up the page with him standing with/ behind the police while they initially inspect the scene. He has his hands behind his back, but there's nothing to indicate that he is handcuffed.

Yes - that is what I see - but no evidence he was hand cuffed. This fella either has very good reason to be at the crime scene and caught on CCTV 3 x times in very strange circumstances, or he believes he is untouchable !

[Chicog]

Testing for DNA, and also refusing to provide DNA evidence (for privacy reasons?) is all taken from farangland.

Here's something else Thai investigators can lean from Farangland: There's a true story, from decades ago (yes, farang were using DNA as evidence long before Thailand was), of a prisoner who was a prime suspect in a violent crime and refused to give any samples for DNA despite repeated pleas by investigators. After about the 10th fruitless interview, the suspect left, but..... he had been drinking a soda pop with a straw. Cops waited until he left the room, got a sample from the tip of the straw, got a positive ID and nailed the criminal.

Also: if cops come to the suspects' and ask for DNA sample, here's what they could do. Say; "just a moment, I'll go to the hong nam (bathroom) to get a sample for you." He steps out of view, sees a boy washing dishes or playing with his hand-held devise, takes a swipe of any part of his body (behind the ear, nape of neck, whatever), hands it to police. Voila, main suspect is off the hook.

someone mentioned google.translate. I've endeavored to translate from English online using google. I've done it in 8 languages, including Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Swahili, Korean, and several European. Guess which language consistently spits out gobblygook? Yup: Thai. Whomever google hired in Bangkok is doing a cock-banged job of it.

That actually happened in one case in the UK; Colin Pitchfork, who had murdered two young women, got someone to go and give the sample for him. But said dupe boasted about it in a pub and someone tipped off the police.

[beautifulthailand99]

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.

So why don't you pass the hat around in thaivisa forum and help push the reward pass 1,000,000 baht. That should be easy to do with all the rich retired Farangs in here. Or is it just big mouths with Leo beer pockets. In my opinion, instead of offering all of these crime theories that their money would be a more appropriate offering. If there was 1baht donated for ever letter of the alphabet and every punctuation mark used on the threads about this tragic story then it is possible an informant would have already come forward with the Ville information to catch these bastards. Money talks... bullshit theories walk.

Thai is a good idea and I would be good for 500 baht as would many others. I don't know how you would physically go about doing it - mayve if TVF wanted to be involved then it could be done.

[JenniferSG]

Journalist Tom Phillips has written "A lot of misreporting going on re Sean McAnna. He didnt tell us the 2 men had killed David & Hannah." He was sending the photo and panicky post out in the hopes that he could get help, and if he was killed the "he did it" info was meant to not let his own killer get away with it. It seems to have been misconstrued all over the net that he was saying the men in the picture were the beach killers, which he wasn't.

[JenniferSG]

I'm trying to keep up on multiple threads so I may have missed this but has anyone passed the screen shot pics of the alleged bar owner/guy on the beach to the Western media?

I have to agree that the guy on the left, very much looks like the guy who was on the crime scene with the police on other photos. If that is the case, then I wonder how he also ended up on this picture?

In the video it's even more stark - the guy on the left is the guy standing on the beach with police at the crime scene. So who is he that he's walking all over the crime scene? Why was he there if he isn't police?

[Whyamiandwhatamidoinghere]

Looking at that photo above you can see where the L&M cigarettes might have been bought.

[boomerangutang]

Yes the two thai guys do not really look too frightening to me , so Sean was hiding behind the 7 eleven desk when he took this picture? We do know that Sean had been drinking that night , and maybe too much , how could he be sure what they threatened him with ? Do they speak perfect english ? I highly doubt so .

They don't look too frightening to you? That's what their mothers would say also. However, by the time you're 4 years old you know that everyone can have a nice face and can also have a scary face. To me, those guys look like they could be implicated. Let's hope the police have been amassing solid evidence, and that it's not all on a farang fellow (and other farang) to provide useful evidence (see below).

Journalist Tom Phillips has written "A lot of misreporting going on re Sean McAnna. He didnt tell us the 2 men had killed David & Hannah." He was sending the photo and panicky post out in the hopes that he could get help, and if he was killed the "he did it" info was meant to not let his own killer get away with it. It seems to have been misconstrued all over the net that he was saying the men in the picture were the beach killers, which he wasn't.

He said the two men pictured had threatened him by saying something to the effect; "you had better go to your room and hang yourself." Even with a slim handle on English by the Asians, that's not a difficult message to convey. Actually, they may have swiped a finger across their necks (a common Asian mannerism) ....to convey death by cutting throat. We'll have to wait and see what the cops come up with and/or if there's a court case with the young farang man as a witness. To me, thus far, he looks credible. Why would he make up such a dramatic story? If you see the interview on the bus, you'll see he's quite distraught. If nothing happened to him and he had nothing to add, he would do what all backpackers do in Thailand: he would split to find where the next party is with the prettiest chicks and most beer.

[mataleo]

A lot of misreporting going on re Sean McAnna. He didnt tell us the 2 men had killed David & Hannah. He DID say they threatened to kill him

[boomerangutang]

A lot of misreporting going on re Sean McAnna. He didnt tell us the 2 men had killed David & Hannah. He DID say they threatened to kill him

...and Sean also said he got a clear message from the two Asians why that threat was made: As there were very few witnesses out in the wee morning hours at that bar, Sean was one of the few (or the only one?) who could have seen something bad brewing. Plus, because he's not Thai, he's shown some willingness to tell what he knows. According to Sean, the message was: "kill yourself (or we'll do it for you) to make it look like you're responsible for the murders and were wracked with remorse." When telling the story, he said he was deathly scared when he got that message. He's not cruising for an Academy Award. Instead, he's a young man who is/was afraid for his life and, to me, had good reason to be spooked.

[khunjamesjohnson]

I'm trying to keep up on multiple threads so I may have missed this but has anyone passed the screen shot pics of the alleged bar owner/guy on the beach to the Western media?

I have to agree that the guy on the left, very much looks like the guy who was on the crime scene with the police on other photos. If that is the case, then I wonder how he also ended up on this picture?

In the video it's even more stark - the guy on the left is the guy standing on the beach with police at the crime scene. So who is he that he's walking all over the crime scene? Why was he there if he isn't police?

They could be undercover cops.

If you ever have been to a police station, there are quite a few coming and going that look and dress just like these guys.

[Fat Haggis]

Boomer, there's some old fogeys here who only read what they want to read, as they live very dull boring and sheltered lives, they never ever had fun in their younger days!!

[metisdead]

This is an English language forum, English language is the only acceptable language, 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 only for any news updates. Posts containing links to Thai language sites have been removed as well as the replies.

A post lobbying for donations has been removed:

22) Members are forbidden to ask for or accept donations, gifts or commissions from other members, any charities must contact support for approval before joining .http://www.thaivisa.com/contact

[harp73]

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/revealed-scot-who-fled-thai-4306609#comments -

[SteveFong]

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/revealed-scot-who-fled-thai-4306609#comments -

one of those guys could be the older brother of the prime suspect

that would make sense as the guy runnin in the video had a similar build, but to me, looked younger

[SteveFong]

stop posting that article about the prior case,

you posted it 4 times now, and only you care

[balo]

I'm trying to keep up on multiple threads so I may have missed this but has anyone passed the screen shot pics of the alleged bar owner/guy on the beach to the Western media?

I have to agree that the guy on the left, very much looks like the guy who was on the crime scene with the police on other photos. If that is the case, then I wonder how he also ended up on this picture?

In the video it's even more stark - the guy on the left is the guy standing on the beach with police at the crime scene. So who is he that he's walking all over the crime scene? Why was he there if he isn't police?

They could be undercover cops.

If you ever have been to a police station, there are quite a few coming and going that look and dress just like these guys.

I agree, I have witnessed undercover cops like this dressed very casually and assisting the police in drug cases. That would make the scenario even worse, if they work for the police and threatened Sean to hang himself. I guess you can't trust anyone on the island.

[Lukecan]

I'm sure all 7/11's have CCTV.

And I don't think there are so many places on the Island selling LM cigarettes, it shouldn't be that hard to solve this crime. Look at who came into 7/11 and bought LM cigarettes that day. Question all the 7/11 employees.

[smutcakes]

I'm sure all 7/11's have CCTV.

And I don't think there are so many places on the Island selling LM cigarettes, it shouldn't be that hard to solve this crime. Look at who came into 7/11 and bought LM cigarettes that day. Question all the 7/11 employees.

LM are one of the biggest brands in Thailand which they sell everywhere (eg, every 7/11 or familymart in the country, mom and pop). I dont 'smoke' them, but i often come home with a pack of LM in my pocket which i have somehow acquired over the evening. Many places, especially Thai centric, dont stock Malboro. It is a very common smoke, smoked by many farang, Thai and any other nationality you want to think of.

[Albertosez]

Even these 2 guys in the photos would know that there is CCTV in 7/11........so why would they appear to be relaxed and posing on camera. I don't actually believe that ( these days )!anyone could be so arrogant as to think that they were untouchable! Nonetheless, this guy seems to get his face on the CCTV all too often I- or his siblings do ??

Another thing that I have not yet seen any reports about is the " mobile phone activity " ? It is normally the case, right, that where serious crimes are committed, the mobile phones service providers would be asked to give the police the mobile phone activity reports for that area? Normally, when such panic ensues, people start making phone calls to their inner circles to help get things sorted out. The Bar Owner, who was seen running on CCTV said that he didn't have time to dress as he was woken suddenly with calls about these fatalities?? So why was he running around in the early hours, yet police were not informed until much later? Who called him, what time was that call made..... All these things must be traceable these days !!

[Theforeigner]

http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/...sh-backpackers


"Detectives say they have discovered a connection between a 45-year-old and the garden hoe used to brutally bludgeon Miss Witheridge on the idyllic Thai island of Koh Tao in the early hours of September 15.

As well as being the brother of a prominent local, he is also said to work at the AC bar at Sairee Beach -the last place Mr Miller, 24 and Miss Witheridge, 23 were seen alive.

Cops continue to quiz a second man, who is believed to have fled to Bangkok.

According to reports, both men were in the AC bar and involved or watching an argument involving Miss Witheridge, a speech therapy student, before they followed the tourists as they left.

Head of Thai Police in the southern region, Panya Mamen said: "We expect a result within 48 hours as DNA samples have been sent off for testing but we are confident in this latest turn in the investigation."

[LanceGringo]

He refused to the DNA test initially, before the photo of him was published on Sean McAnna's Facebook page.

[Plutojames88]

It will be Thai vs Westerner on trial in their mentality.

The obvious mistake might be believe that Sean is telling the truth.

What if he isn't?

Lets consider what a huge windfall it would be propaganda wise if evidence arose that Sean was a drug taker- convicted child porn watcher .

His whereabouts that night unknown - a new twist.

Questions on why he returned to the Island hours before the murders?

DNA fails to connect the men.

The field day of Thais then making "" Typical Farang"" statements .

We don't exactly have the most moral witness in the case representing us.

It's embarrassing they will learn of his prior convictions.

[Snookyville]

He refused to the DNA test initially, before the photo of him was published on Sean McAnna's Facebook page.

Maybe to buy time for the other(s) to get away. If he was involved/knows more but is not one of the rapists/killers he might be confident do the test now as it only shows a family tie to the killer(s) - who has a couple of days more head-start now.

Or possibly the other killer was seen as a loose-cannon who could better be out of the way while others would 'take care of the problem' using Sean McAnna as scapegoat so he could return at later date. Case closed, nobody knows, no DNA testing would have been performed.

[LanceGringo]

He refused to the DNA test initially, before the photo of him was published on Sean McAnna's Facebook page.

Maybe to buy time for the other(s) to get away. If he was involved/knows more but is not one of the rapists/killers he might be confident do the test now as it only shows a family tie to the killer(s) - who has a couple of days more head-start now.

You very well could be right there actually!

[bander]

"Murdered British backpackers Hannah Witheridge and David Miller may have been in a row in a bar with a local gangster who tried to chat her up."

I have comment several times that a local Thai is behind the killings, but BIB's do their best to find a migrant worker or a falang backpacker at all cost to save Thailand's reputation.

[balo]

I'm more confident now that the brother is involved , well done to the police , thanks to pressure from Bangkok. Lets just hope the trial will sentence them to maximum time in a smelly prison.

[MJP]

I'm more confident now that the brother is involved , well done to the police , thanks to pressure from Bangkok. Lets just hope the trial will sentence them to maximum time in a smelly prison.

I think this is a capital crime, no?