NGO questions if the two Myanmar suspects are scapegoats

kiwikeith · October 4, 2014

I think that the British authorities have been slow and pee week they should have flown experts in to claim the bodies straight away and then DNA tested etc..

New Zealand authorities were the same in the Chiang Mai poisoning and only a secret filming by a undercover NZ film team discovered the residue of the toxic spray that was in the rooms of the poor soles that perished.

However nothing was done even after that evidence went nationwide in NZ.

And then the big picture, does any of these suspects profile match the cctv footage of the Asian running away in the victims pants.

I suspect as the same as most visa posters, a stitching job. And to add, most I speak to who do not post on visa say the same- its a shame a great shame on society.

KuhnPaen · October 4, 2014

I wonder if you can buy the DNA testing kits they use at the same markets where you can buy an "it real" Rolex.

Lozza · October 4, 2014

The only way to solve the "stand-off" between "they are guilty" and "no they're not" is for independent qualified 3rd party analysis of all the DNA obtained and the collection of DNA from all those who have refused to allow DNA sampling (I assume from what has been said previously - that some people have refused). Only then will the real fact be known - however I would think this is very unlikely for a number of reason -- that I leave for you to answer.

Totally agree... Big questions to be asked... How is it that these migrant workers had escaped being tested for DNA for almost 3 weeks?... it's a very small island... if guilty, why didn't they run?... seems convenient that they suddenly found them now.... why was the head man's son ever a prime suspect if he wasn't even on the island as he was apparently in Bangkok....and have they ever tested his DNA?... sounds fishy to me.

They didn't run they were interrogated the night before, the cute one (name lost on me) he was in Koh Tao illegally, they have obviously threatened him and knowing if he stayed things would get nasty, remember they weren't DNA'd at this stage.

Then again it may have all been part of the choreography send him on the boat making him look guilty and the big arrest and another photo op.

englishoak · October 4, 2014

It's now shaping up to be a Dark of the Moon Party -- not a Full Moon party.

As the brilliant Pink Floyd remarked "There is no dark side of the moon. It's all dark".

PARTY ON, Poindexter!

The new ad for tourists: Come to our island and buy drinks from murderers. Maybe you could be next!

These jokes don't really work on a thread about tragic murders.

Welcome to Koh Tao, Thailand...

The Thai forums are appalled by this as am I. @bongoz how dare you treat this subject as a comedy show..leave this forum now your not welcome.

Its not supposed to be a joke.

Actually its called satire and perfectly captures the tragedy and way its been handled and the tourists safety ideas that are far more laughable than that pic... and they are serious.

None of it is funny

Lozza · October 4, 2014

10683601_708780339199694_8504124197652815243_o.jpg

And Sean needs to answer some questions when he gets back from Italy

Those cuts to Sean tells me he was there, exact same wounds as David had.

The chance of the same weapon used on David and Sean is way too coincidental.

You can see Sean"s wounds healing-he was there and he'd have lost a lot of blood with those cuts, hence the visit to have blood washed off him.

Sean needs to be hauled in, drug free. He's probably sitting in a 5* hotel in Italy selling his story to the highest bidder.

Lozza · October 4, 2014

Regardless if the Thai authorities are claiming that the alleged murder's DNA matches, there will be a secondary test and complete autopsy done by the British authorities. This important confirmation will clear-up any misconceptions relating to the questionable "patsy theory".

And this info you got from exactly where?

I thought I read that there was going to be, or has been, a formal inquisition and Interpol DVI protocol proceedure done on the victims. Besides, don't you think the families will proceed with an independant investigation and or DNA inquiry? Dont be such a tool!

wow... are you serious? Do you think Thailand will allow anything like that? Do you think they will risk being shown up as not only incompetent but corrupt too. Do you think the families of the two murdered kids have any rights to ask anything from Thailand? Just how long have you been here?

I'd like to see the families sue the government and to also sue for defamation we can play that game too.

Lozza · October 4, 2014

I know this is my first post, so forgive me, I've been lurking for a while trying to make sense of it all.

I feel like I'm missing a trick. These questions have been going round in my head for the last week or so...

Where is Sean McAnna now? Did he make it out of Thailand? I've read a few posts that suggest he's in Italy, does anyone know that for sure?

If he has made it out of Thailand, why has he not spoken out? (perhaps he's worried about the backlash re his chequered crim history?! But still, do the right thing!!)

Have any of Hannah's or David's friends spoken out about events leading up to the time they parted ways?

Why is the FCO / UK authorities not doing more [read: anything] to intervene or at least draw attention to matters? When Thailand knew the world were watching they appeared to step it up. If we stop watching, these poor scapegoats will be killed for a crime I believe they didn't commit and the real murderers will be free to kill again.

Why are journalists/news agencies either in or outside of Thailand, not doing more to highlight some of the many questions that need answering?

I've only ever been a visitor to KT, so really don't know what its like to be there long term, but if the police don't do the right thing, I certainly won't visit again.

I think there's a lot going on behind the scene right now and I'm confident legal eagles are there as well.

WhamBam · October 4, 2014

I too, along with many others wish to see some form of independent examination of the 'facts' in this case.

It is my hope that someone or some organisation like the one mentioned in the OP can get something done to prove things one way or another.

If these arrested men are guilty, so be it. If they are innocent I would hate to be in their shoes.

tomacht8 · October 4, 2014

The suspects have confessed.

Did the suspects signed any papers?

if so, did the suspects fully understood what they have maybe signed?

bunglebag · October 4, 2014

Meanwhile, local officials in Surat Thani said yesterday that tourists were returning to Koh Tao resort island in droves after the alleged culprits in the murders of British tourists Hannah Witheridge and David Miller were arrested.

Thawisak Inphrom, the chief of Koh Pha-ngan district, of which Koh Tao is part, said that tourism on Koh Tao has become "busy again" following the arrests.

"Tourists now have become more confident about safety on the island, and they are confident the authorities can provide safety for them," he said.

Is this true? I would struggle to believe that the day after a couple of quite possibly not guilty scapegoats have been arrested and paraded suddenly everything is back to normal. Anyone from UK (or elsehwre for that matter) going anywhere near AC or any other part of the island that that family runs would need the head examining in my book.

But there will always be those who are up for it I expect. To me it would be like going to the local shop if it was run by Peter Sutcliffe (Yorkshire Ripper) even though everyone knew what he did.

bruceybonus · October 4, 2014

just shows what tech can do!

OPG · October 4, 2014

Myanmar murder suspects escorted to Samui court for extended detention

KOH TAO: -- Two Myanmar rape murder suspects were this morning escorted by the police from Phangan island to Samui island for permission from the court to detain them 12 more days for further questioning.

Win or Wepew, 21, and Cholin or Soren, 21, both of Arakanese ethnics, were handcuffed and taken on board a speed boat from Phangan island to Koh Samui under protection by about 10 police, both in uniforms and plainclothes.

The travel to Ban Nathon pier on Samui took three hours. Both were later put in car to the Samui provincial court.

The police sought 12 days from the court to further detain the two suspects with reason that the 48 hours allowed by law to detain them has expired while they still needed more time for questioning.

The police said they would officially indict the two suspects on October 8.

The two suspects were seen to be very exhausted as they have been questioned throughout the night.

While at Samui police station, Win, a prime suspect, who spoke little Thai as he has been working on Koh Tao for three years, admitted to the murder of David miller and raping and killing of Ms Hannah Witheridge.

Another suspect, Mao, was not escorted to the court today as the police have booked him as the witness to the case.

Mao was playing guitar with the two suspects but left to see his girlfriend before the murder took place.

Earlier he was also charged, but after the two confirmed he was not involved, and DNA test did not match the samples collected on the victim’s body, the police freed him but still kept him as witness.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/765779-myanmar-murder-suspects-escorted-to-samui-court-for-extended-detention/?p=8484841

More questioning?? After confessions and re-enactment?

Still any doubters out there?

OK...contradictions anybody???

What a freaking show...arrested on suspicion...taken back to KT for the show...and NOW, taking them to Koh Samui to ask the court for more holding time!!!?????? What in the hell is going on?????

This has just gotten more ridiculous and I feel so sorry for the Parents of both of the victims.

Jesus Christ!

katana · October 4, 2014

Well done woman, I have been questioning that from the moment it was announced that the murderers were Burmese migrants.

And I want the truth.......this case has affected me a lot.

JUST IN ... THAIS THINK ITS A POLICE COVER UP BASED ON FAULTY EVIDENCE ... LODGE OWNER HAS HAD COMPLAINTS SEXUAL HARASSMENT

http://www.oknation.net/blog/anonym/2014/10/04/entry-2

Photos of wounds don't look like a strike from a hoe

Is anyone able to provide the gist of these previous complaints against the lodge owner?

From the oknation link provided:

Supanee Deighton, a Thai married to a Brit in the UK, recalled an incident from 2 years ago when she was staying at a guesthouse on Hat Sai beach on Koh Tao. The owner of the guesthouse entered her room one night and tried to rape her and she only escaped by jumping from the window to the ground below where she was injured, requiring 11 stitches.

The local police on the island attempted to get her to accept monetary compensation to drop the charges but she refused. The guesthouse owner then changed the story alleging she fell off the balcony during consensual sex with him and she was just seeking money by making false allegations. She got no further with the case and justice wasn't served which she still feels understandably aggrieved about.

She said she feels very sad about what happened to the 2 UK holidaymakers murdered on the island recently and hopes they catch the people responsible.

So I guess the point of her story was that there is a precedent of rape or attempted rape being covered up on Koh Tao by collusion between the police and influential figures on the island.

wilcopops · October 4, 2014

As the PM has stated that the DNA proves they are guilty, i can't see how a trial can find otherwise.

phuketandsee · October 4, 2014

Well done woman, I have been questioning that from the moment it was announced that the murderers were Burmese migrants.

And I want the truth.......this case has affected me a lot.

JUST IN ... THAIS THINK ITS A POLICE COVER UP BASED ON FAULTY EVIDENCE ... LODGE OWNER HAS HAD COMPLAINTS SEXUAL HARASSMENT

http://www.oknation.net/blog/anonym/2014/10/04/entry-2

Photos of wounds don't look like a strike from a hoe

Is anyone able to provide the gist of these previous complaints against the lodge owner?

From the oknation link provided:

Supanee Deighton, a Thai married to a Brit in the UK, recalled an incident from 2 years ago when she was staying at a guesthouse on Hat Sai beach on Koh Tao. The owner of the guesthouse entered her room one night and tried to rape her and she only escaped by jumping from the window to the ground below where she was injured, requiring 11 stitches.

The local police on the island attempted to get her to accept monetary compensation to drop the charges but she refused. The guesthouse owner then changed the story alleging she fell off the balcony during consensual sex with him and she was just seeking money by making false allegations. She got no further with the case and justice wasn't served which she still feels understandably aggrieved about.

She said she feels very sad about what happened to the 2 UK holidaymakers murdered on the island recently and hopes they catch the people responsible.

So I guess the point of her story was that there is a precedent of rape or attempted rape being covered up on Koh Tao by collusion between the police and influential figures on the island.

Thanks for this

Soutpeel · October 4, 2014

It's now shaping up to be a Dark of the Moon Party -- not a Full Moon party.

As the brilliant Pink Floyd remarked "There is no dark side of the moon. It's all dark".

PARTY ON, Poindexter!

The new ad for tourists: Come to our island and buy drinks from murderers. Maybe you could be next!

These jokes don't really work on a thread about tragic murders.

Welcome to Koh Tao, Thailand...

The Thai forums are appalled by this as am I. @bongoz how dare you treat this subject as a comedy show..leave this forum now your not welcome.

oh please ......did you miss satire day in school..?.....and besides who made you a mod ?

khunjamesjohnson · October 4, 2014

As the PM has stated that the DNA proves they are guilty, i can't see how a trial can find otherwise.

Exactly. To find otherwise would be a slap in his face.

CASE CLOSED.

metisdead · October 5, 2014

Posts linking to Andrew Drummond's site have been removed. Please understand Thai Visa is not employed as a tool to obtain information for Andrew Drummond nor do we use material from his web site.

Cake Monster · October 5, 2014

Today, ( 05.10.14 ) a national paper reported on their website, that allegations of torture upon suspects were received by the UK , and Myanmar embassies, along with the report was a statement that the police were to be rewarded for there hard work in the case.

The report was removed from the front page website at around 08.10 AM

Really ?

Oorinara · October 5, 2014

Prayut reportedly has checked thru police reports by himself and says the police deserves praise.

In Thai society, especially under the current Junta regime, if he views so and says such, the upcoming court trial must be biased or distorted.

Implying the head of government administration doesn't honor or understand the independence of justice, or importance of it, or combination thereof.

jomcondo · October 5, 2014

These cops have got themselves too far in with a very amateur cover up job.

They seem to be just winging it.

I think heads will roll over this, I just hope it's not the Burmese who go first.

stephen terry · October 5, 2014

There is a way out for Prayut when or if the shit really hits the fan. He could say he was misinformed by over-eager police commanders to resolve this case, and that he has ordered an internal inquiry. But I doubt he would consider that. Given that he told the whole world that he would seek to eliminate corruption in Thai society, it hasn't taken long for that declaration to be buried.

rickirs · October 5, 2014

Good. At least someone is sitting up and taking notice. Everyone must know it's a sham. Those who don't and shout conspiracy theory are either loved-up with the place and have the blinkers on or haven't been paying attention... this lot were already rounded up and given the all-clear, only to be yanked back in when the truth was discovered (a local someone did it) and the pressure intensified for a result!

' Everyone must know it's a sham.' and everyone knows who did it eh? Plain as the nose on your face. alt=whistling.gif>

Amazing how so many people simply have the power to know all these things automatically. Truly gifted. But just to make sure, add a statement that anyone who can't see what you can or offers a different opinion must be blinkered.

Maybe you'll offer your formula for world peace and climate change too.

Power to know? You mean like the police who on the first day of their investigation declared that a Thai could not have committed such a crime?

Johnsen · October 5, 2014

Nobody's heads will roll. The DNA will match. Impossible to turn back now. Feel sorry for the accused. No independent investigation will be allowed or done. Sadly its all over peoples. This is their country and this is how things are done. As much as I hate to say it that is the bottom line. The only thing that can really be done is to boycott the islands but even then that won't last long. Keep the attention in the media and the Thai authorities will ban sites. This is who these people are and how it is done. The rich families on the islands aren't losing any sleep. They have the support of the PM. Breaks my heart but what can u do except up and leave and never spend another cent here. New people will always come. Only 1 winner here.

stephen terry · October 5, 2014

Some really good news:

Rights group arranges lawyers for Myanmar men

A team of lawyers has been sent to help the two migrant Myanmar workers being charged with murdering two British tourists and raping one of them on Koh Tao, a prominent activist for the rights of migrant workers said yesterday.

http://www.nationmul...n-30244775.html

Yes, this endeavour needs as much media coverage as possible to safeguard them, and to ensure that they can carry out an independent (and uncontaminated) DNA check without being thwarted. This aim has to take priority over anything else, because the whole RTP case rests on this ' conclusive evidence'. I would suggest they ring-fence these lawyers with several high-profile 'advisors' to ensure transparency.

But, with my realistic head on, I doubt that they'd be permitted to do (or want to do) anything more than try and plea for leniency. If the boys retract their confession (obtained under duress) they would be facing a death penalty - a high-stake gamble with the RTP holding all the cards.

I have a feeling in my water that there will be no happy outcome from this very noble assistance.

stephen terry · October 5, 2014

Nobody's heads will roll. The DNA will match. Impossible to turn back now. Feel sorry for the accused. No independent investigation will be allowed or done. Sadly its all over peoples. This is their country and this is how things are done. As much as I hate to say it that is the bottom line. The only thing that can really be done is to boycott the islands but even then that won't last long. Keep the attention in the media and the Thai authorities will ban sites. This is who these people are and how it is done. The rich families on the islands aren't losing any sleep. They have the support of the PM. Breaks my heart but what can u do except up and leave and never spend another cent here. New people will always come. Only 1 winner here.

I agree with your sentiments, all except the last sentence. Do you think any rational person following this story will ever regard Thailand in a favourable light?

balo · October 5, 2014

I hope they can do the DNA tests again in Singapore , where they keep the samples of the DNA that was found on the victims. So someone else from the outside of Thailand can have a look at them .

If the DNA still matches the two Myanmar boys that would end all the wild speculations.

heyexile · October 5, 2014

There is a way out for Prayut when or if the shit really hits the fan. He could say he was misinformed by over-eager police commanders to resolve this case, and that he has ordered an internal inquiry. But I doubt he would consider that. Given that he told the whole world that he would seek to eliminate corruption in Thai society, it hasn't taken long for that declaration to be buried.

No can do. The top cop is Police Commissioner General Somyot, a hand-picked appointee.

Only one above him is Supreme Commander of Police Department, ie the PM.

Check the link, it`s only one page. A view on police reform from the inside!

http://thaitribune.org/en/hot-issue/5886

Tazwa · October 5, 2014

Just reposting the pictures that Ruthie posted earlier in another thread.

The murder took place on the morning of Monday 15th September.

Here's the pub crawl that took place on the evening of Monday 15th September.

There's Sean McAnna!

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