Police shift focus to foreign tourists in Koh Tao murdere probe

[hgma]

Why don't they, 'police' order a total media black-out/

Then get on with their job and arrest the culprit's.

Who wants to know what =progress or not they make?

Why doesn't somebody with enough authority shuts the whole circus down to plain investigation.??

[american12bthai]

What next? Alien's did it!

no it was self inflicted..

wait. i thought they both felll off a balcony. cause.. that only happens to foreigners.

[falangjim]

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/admin/specials/nationphoto/photo/6KodskH.jpg

[dealthedice]

I don't get it. The samples of Hannah's body indicated they were of two Asian men, yet they first state that "no thai could do this". Then investigate local families members for a little while, give confusing statements to the press that some of them are and suddenly aren't suspects, clear some of them out without DNA test, and then shift focus on foreigners once again - despite the fact: the DNA is still of two Asian men.

This case confuses the hell out of me, mostly because of how police has handled the investigation. But it all looks very much like done by seasoned criminals, mafia, or such - done with pack-mentality (several suspects). Someone said that it was about 2minutes walk from the bar to the murder scene - and it was right next to the beach party. There were several killers. I don't think foreign tourists would have the guts to actually do something like this on a foreign island, right next to the people (what was it, 100 meters to the party?). Especially knowing the consequences if getting caught. Only someone who relied they would not get judged, or at least convicted, would do something like this in a pack, so close to the beach party and the bar (where they most likely were followed from). Also, the events leading into the murder probably have had to happen at the bar. It's only logical explanation.

Now on a weird side-note, I remember checking Hannah's memorial page on Facebook right at the beginning. It was 15th or 16th day. There was this guy called "Julius Montenegro" who posted the raw death pics (shame on him, as it was insulting towards victims family) on that day. What was weird about it, was that he wrote a story about a local gangster hitting on Hannah at AC Bar, which he claimed to be led into the argument between the parties in the bar. It was weird, because this (to my knowledge) was not speculated on the news anywhere so early, but was mentioned days afterwards the first time. Don't know where he got the information from, and his name obviously was an alias, and was deleted later on (can't find his profile), as well as his posts on the memorial page, which also can't be read anymore. He was called a troll back then, but similar speculation about the argument later on reached news, as well.

Actually, this is by xray on Thaivisa forums at 19th of Sep (considering "Julius'" posts on FB):

"Somebody posted on Hannah's original Facebook stating why the where killed that night, they said that in the bar a local Thai was hitting on Hannah and Dave got in a argument with the Thai.

The Thai left and was hiding on the beach with a friend waiting for them to leave around AC bar.

Everybody I know on Koh Tao who works there left the same day because all bartenders are foreigners with no work permits, they all say this is what happened. It's sad you don't hear about this in the news.!" "

"Julius Montenegro" had to have posted either 15th of Sep (I think this is correct) or 16th, since the replies to his "story" and pictures on the memorial page are still up, and they date back to the 16th.

For some reason, the story described above sounds very probable.

[tomyummer]

So they got semen DNA from 2 Asian and now they will target foreign tourists? Something is very wrong here.

Asian foreigners maybe?

[zoza]

just how much more can Thailand's already tarnished reputation take, if it was not involving two horrific murders

it would be a comedy,

sadly there is no fun to be had with watching a group of either accidental or cunning clowns blunder from one excuse to the next thing/people to blame for their total lack of competence and professionalism.

the people in charge need to wake up as the whole world is watching in disbelief as this shameful display

continues day after day, if this ends the way a lot of people with experience of Thailand expect it to end

it will be a big factor in Thailand's world standing and tourism for years to come.

I for one will make sure none of my kids or grandkids ever set foot in the hub of cover-ups.

p.s

I was so sickened by this episode

that I was going to stop any more

posts ect,but that is what they

want the more we kick up a fuss

the more chance of justice.

[benbear]

I have followed this story since it began and with a heavy heart I am giving up on it now. I can see what is coming, the murderers will never be found and fingers will be pointed away from Thailand.

Sad

[jpeg]

I hope that there is a strong earthquake.....and that the island with all its local inhabitants and the local police simply sinks with it!

No. Give it back to the turtles

[nottocus]

So they got semen DNA from 2 Asian and now they will target foreign tourists? Something is very wrong here.

Korean tourists of course.

[Carrerakiss]

I have followed this story since it began and with a heavy heart I am giving up on it now. I can see what is coming, the murderers will never be found and fingers will be pointed away from Thailand.

Sad

Unfortunately, I agree with you. At first I thought that global indignation/pressure would mean that local Koh Tao influences would be over ridden. But it's clear that they have prevailed and from here on in we will see less and less international pressure and more and more confusing and vague statements from the police, until eventually it's all forgotten.

I just hope the two families are able to move on and get on with their lives without being haunted by questions over who the killers might be.

[taony]

Hopeless lairo.

I've come to learn that saving face just means pretending/not acknowledging reality. I used to think that a big part of it is trying not to embarrass people. But that is certainly not true. These people say whatever they want constantly and don't seem to be able to feel embarrassment or shame at all.

[Emster23]

Fool me once, shame on you

Fool me twice, shame on me

Fool me over and over, I'm RTP and Thai public

[meatboy]

I wouldn't be surprised if next the Police claim it was perhaps a murder-suicide?

yep the pattaya police are on their way.

god only knows what the victims families are going through.

just hope they dont read tv.

if they do once again I AM SO SORRY.

TAFF.

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

So they got semen DNA from 2 Asian and now they will target foreign tourists? Something is very wrong here.

Some foreign tourists are Asian. S Korea, Japan, HK, Singapore, Indonesia etc etc

True, but I am pretty sure that they are meaning Farangs when they say foreign Tourists.

[Greenhill]

This case certainly is a scandal - from the murders themselves to the absolutely abysmal 'investigations by the 'Police'!!

I would have also thought that the British Govt., through it's Embassy here, would put some pressure on the Thai Govt., even though we know that the Ambassador himself is very busy taking tea with the Bangkok Governor and no doubt, other serious 'bigwigs'!!

[BestBitterPhuket]

Like many clever people on TV first said, this case will never be solved. Look now. It will not be solved but the Thai olive will say that a "foreigner did it". And leave it with that. By the way, have they DNA tested the local policemen yet?

[lung]

------ the night before some girls got robbed and the victims had an argument in ac-bar.!!!

why not follow this trail ....

the "mob" not raping them but they ORDER that

--------

[nev]

Mafia control Thailand and mafia are being accused of the murders, does anyone really think the real killers will be brought to justice, no way they will walk away Scott free sad to say.

[razer]

With the whole world watching, Thai police reveal heir competency.

Too proud to ask for assistance from the FBI.

Life is cheap in Thailand.

[JOC]

So they got semen DNA from 2 Asian and now they will target foreign tourists? Something is very wrong here.

Some foreign tourists are Asian. S Korea, Japan, HK, Singapore, Indonesia etc etc

That explains why the condom didn't have any DNA inside!! 3-3-3 !!

[jucel]

What theoretically can Britain as a country do in a case like this? What powers do they have ? And what powers could they enforce if they really wanted to make sure this was solved??

[nev]

what size was the condom ?, was it a condom from overseas?has it been tested to determin brand? why no finger print only DNA tests ?, what size footprints found around the murder scene, all things real detectives would look for, what do I know I am just a brickie.

[allan michaud]

"The employee who washed blood from Sean also was reluctant to give information after the police ruled Sean out of a suspect because he is a European as DNA samples found in the body of Ms Hannah Witheridge indicated the suspects as Asians."

This would be a great excuse if it wasn't for the fact it took 5 or 6 days before anyone found out the DNA was Asian. So why didn't she step forward during those 5 days, when the hunt for a foreign culprit was at it's highest. She would have been a National hero.

As far as I can see from all the reports since they finally started looking at this high ranking family, not one of them has given a DNA sample. Certainly no one has mentioned DNA samples clearing them. Maybe the kid in BKK has genuine evidence to prove he wasn't there at the time, but simply ruling him out because he doesn't have a tattoo seems mad. Surely DNA is the only 100% effective way to rule out any Asian.

What is so frustrating is the lack of leadership from the Generals as they have previously stated they are aware of how corrupt the RTP is and plan to clean it up. This is such a great opportunity to clean house, not just with the RTP, but local thugs (influential families) who think they are above the law. It is clear to everyone that the local police absolutely cannot be trusted in this case and the only realistic way to convince people the investigation is clean is to remove them and have a team from BKK retake samples from any suspects. It is so simple just one sample from the head of this family (Ideally taken in public by someone other than local police) would clear all of them to everyone's satisfaction.

I also have to ask what has happened to the international media, are they even watching this anymore? No one seems to be asking any sensible questions when these conflicting police statements are made. Here are a couple of starters for any alleged journo's out there... or for the wonderful British Embassy, who are, as expected, very quiet on all this.

1. Have you collected a DNA sample from any member of this family?

2a. If no, why not?

2b. If yes, have the results ruled out anyone from the immediate family being one of the rapists?

How difficult is it for someone to ask these 2 simple and bloody obvious questions?

[DP25]

So they got semen DNA from 2 Asian and now they will target foreign tourists? Something is very wrong here.

Some foreign tourists are Asian. S Korea, Japan, HK, Singapore, Indonesia etc etc

There are also millions of Asian people in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc. Plenty of them come to Thailand too.

Overall, the majority of tourists in Thailand are Asian. 'Farang' are a minority these days.

[ratcatcher]

What next? Alien's did it!

that is silly because we all know aliens don't exist.

But let's not leave out the possibility that ghost(s) may have done it, which would be extra ordinary since there was DNA left behind, could be the very proof needed to validate the existence of ghosts

"...we all know aliens don't exist."

Not according to Royal Thai Police Immigration Dept. There are many aliens here in Thailand.

That is who we are.

[Halion]

A fiasco from start to finish further amplified by the numerous facile police statements making claims and counter claims . Should anyone have had doubts regarding the ability and aptitude of the police force this sad scenario serves only to highlight how truly inept and unprofessional they are. This whole investigation should have been handled by an independent group reporting directly to the Junta.

Two young vibrant people came to this island based on all the tourist bullshit which failed to inform them that it is only paradise if you manage to survive. Sadly for both they and their family's, the dream became a nightmare, which is so often the case here in Thailand.

[claffey]

So they got semen DNA from 2 Asian and now they will target foreign tourists? Something is very wrong here.

Eh... Thailand's not the only country in Asia!! Foreign tourists could also refer to Koreans, Japanese etc....

[ttthailand]

Lets just hope that there is more going on behind the scenes and the information has yet to be released.

Thais are not stupid so perhaps we just need to give them a little more time to prove themselves before giving up hope.

There is no way they would be stupid enough to not at this stage DNA test Mon and even the son or other family members to see if there is a match. Even with witnesses saying otherwise it still needs to de done. Perhaps the samples they are waiting for contain this information.

Also, for sure they would not be so stupid to not be speaking to this girl already about the blood on Sean's face. Even if his DNA did not match he still could have been involved.

At some point these questions and others will all have to be addressed or for sure it will look like a coverup. The General (PM) will not let that happen as it would undermine all the good he has already done in weeding out corruption.

I hope to hear some good news soon on this matter.

[hughben]

Get hold of all the mobile/cell phone numbers that were on the island that night.

Given the killers are Asian, those that aren't registered, will probably have made some calls to people who are registered and they will be able to find out who the unregistered people were through those people.

It is too much work for them though and they will be able to have a list of numbers - two of which will belong to the real killers, so it won't happen.

[hellyes2oo2]

Would love to know the name and rank of the copper is, that has claimed the million baht reward.