Rights group arranges lawyers for Myanmar men

[Lite Beer]

Rights group arranges lawyers for Myanmar men
Pravit Rojanaphruk,
Suwannee Bunditsak
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- 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.

The move came amid concerns that the arrested men may not be the real culprits.

Andy Hall, the activist for the rights of migrant workers in Thailand, tweeted yesterday that he was sending a team of lawyers to see the two Myanmar workers charged.

"We are sending the legal team [and] seek to gain access to the accused, to advise them on their rights under Thai law, and provide reliable translation," he said.

Hall pointed out that the desire to get involved stemmed from reports of physical abuse although the activist acknowledged that he had no evidence of physical abuse against the two men charged, nor was there evidence to prove a claim that the police DNA tests were inaccurate.

National police chief Police General Somyot Pumpunmuang maintained yesterday that the suspects were no scapegoats. He said police had strong evidence against the two Myanmar men charged in the double-murder case.

Somyot said police investigators took a long time before catching the suspects because they had to wait for the results of the DNA tests on many people and study video footage from more than 300 security cameras around the crime scene on a beach.

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.

Surat Thani Governor Chatpong Chatrapoot said the arrest of the suspects had helped restore confidence among prospective tourists to Koh Tao.

The governor said he has instructed the local authorities to provide safety to tourists "in an integrated way", with increase in the number of security officials, security cameras and lights in areas deemed risky. He said there would be increased safety for tourists with those "integrated measures".

Local residents and business operators on Koh Tao yesterday also expressed their hope that the arrest of suspects in the murder case would restore tourist confidence on the island and improve its tourism sector.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Rights-group-arranges-lawyers-for-Myanmar-men-30244775.html

-- The Nation 2014-10-05

[Thai at Heart]

Now this is going to open up a biiiiiig can of worms.

[englishoak]

Come on everyone on TV .. if you want to be sure about this then we need 10,000 sigs to move on it to petition the British Embassy and British government for another independent investigation, all people want is real justice and closure for David and Hannahs families, that means 100% without doubt .... get enough voices and the UK gov will have to open an investigation if they havnt already behind closed doors.

We can make a difference for once, all it takes are for good people to do something....

https://www.change.org/p/the-government-of-the-united-kingdom-independently-investigate-the-horrific-murders-of-hannah-witheridge-and-david-miller#share

Please Moderators im asking you on behalf of many do the right thing and let this link stay.

Edited October 4, 2014 by englishoak

[shaggy1969]

My heart goes out to the family of the young couple.

Let the real culprits be brought to justice and let the family mourn their loved ones in peace.

I can't imagine how they feel.....So,so sad,my heart goes out to them.

[phuketandsee]

Now this is going to open up a biiiiiig can of worms.

Let's hope so

[alfalfa19]

Thanks for posting that link. I welcome the chance to do anything I can for this situation. It seems there's already more than 8000 signatures collected.

Come on everyone on TV .. if you want to be sure about this then we need 10,000 sigs to move on it to petition the British Embassy and British government for another independent investigation, all people want is real justice and closure for David and Hannahs families, that means 100% without doubt .... get enough voices and the UK gov will have to open an investigation if they havnt already behind closed doors.

We can make a difference for once, all it takes are for good people to do something....

https://www.change.org/p/the-government-of-the-united-kingdom-independently-investigate-the-horrific-murders-of-hannah-witheridge-and-david-miller#share

Please Moderators im asking you on behalf of many do the right thing and let this link stay.

[Soutpeel]

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.
Surat Thani Governor Chatpong Chatrapoot said the arrest of the suspects had helped restore confidence among prospective tourists to Koh Tao.

Not one bit of regret offered to the families of the victims, but hey the tourists are coming back so all is good in la la land so lets get back to scamming...

[robsamui]

VALUE STATEMENT 1.

"We are devastated by the heartbreak and suffering that this tragic incident has caused for the family and close friends of the deceased. Our thoughts and feelings are with all who are involved, and this is a despicable and horrific crime that has had no exact equal in the history of this country. Whatever the outcome, and whoever the culprits, there are no words to express the sentiment of the Thai government, administration, and all involved, in their expressions of consolation and regret for the deceased and their families.

VALUE STATEMENT 2

Tourists are returning to Koh Tao resort island in droves.. . . 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," . . . the arrest of the suspects has helped restore confidence among prospective tourists to Koh Tao. The governor said he has instructed the local authorities to provide safety to tourists "in an integrated way", with increase in the number of security officials, security cameras and lights in areas deemed risky . . .increased safety for tourists with those "integrated measures".

Edited October 5, 2014 by petercool
edited for type size etc

[NongKhaiKid]

" Tourists are returning in droves... tourists are confident about safety. tourists are confident the authorities can provide safety. "

Well of course they are, it just couldn't be an other way, could it ?

[NongKhaiKid]

Come on everyone on TV .. if you want to be sure about this then we need 10,000 sigs to move on it to petition the British Embassy and British government for another independent investigation, all people want is real justice and closure for David and Hannahs families, that means 100% without doubt .... get enough voices and the UK gov will have to open an investigation if they havnt already behind closed doors.

We can make a difference for once, all it takes are for good people to do something....

https://www.change.org/p/the-government-of-the-united-kingdom-independently-investigate-the-horrific-murders-of-hannah-witheridge-and-david-miller#share

Please Moderators im asking you on behalf of many do the right thing and let this link stay.

If the comment of ' exemplary professionalism ' alleged to have been made by the British Ambassador is true the embassy will try to dance around our complaints as Kent will not be too keen on having to reverse his gushing position by making demands.

Can i suggest that pressure needs to be put on the Foreign Office to demand answers from the embassy and tell them to get on with things. Kent and his staff may ignore us but London is an entirely different matter. Unfortunately there's so much going on elsewhere to distract the British media as their pressure too would carry an even bigger voice.

[englishoak]

Thanks for posting that link. I welcome the chance to do anything I can for this situation. It seems there's already more than 8000 signatures collected.

Come on everyone on TV .. if you want to be sure about this then we need 10,000 sigs to move on it to petition the British Embassy and British government for another independent investigation, all people want is real justice and closure for David and Hannahs families, that means 100% without doubt .... get enough voices and the UK gov will have to open an investigation if they havnt already behind closed doors.

We can make a difference for once, all it takes are for good people to do something....

https://www.change.org/p/the-government-of-the-united-kingdom-independently-investigate-the-horrific-murders-of-hannah-witheridge-and-david-miller#share

Please Moderators im asking you on behalf of many do the right thing and let this link stay.

no problem i'm just reposting the same link as another member had (the foreigner ) on another thread that was getting lost in the ether. I feel the same way too hence the repost.

update is we are upto 8200 sigs 2k of that in the last few hrs

Edited October 4, 2014 by englishoak

[JohnThailandJohn]

Good news, everyone should have legal counsel when jailed guilty or not. However, this will not help those who cannot accept the overwhelming evidence against these two or those who want to believe it was the rich Thai kid (for no other reason than he is rich and Thai) that did it who was taking an exam at school in Bangkok and appeared on security cameras that day in Bangkok.

No doubt the lawyers will be able to collect new DNA samples from their clients and have it compared against the DNA results from the semen taken from the scene originally and sent to both Thai and Singapore labs. But again, doubt this will convince some of admitting their original suspicions were wrong.

While police may have done things wrong, there is no plausible way they could fake the DNA and expect to get away with it unless these two accused disappear from the planet and nobody can ever check their or their family's DNA ever again.

Edited October 4, 2014 by JohnThailandJohn

[Scully]

Great news, at least now they will find out what they have signed.

Edited October 4, 2014 by Scully

[JohnThailandJohn]

Tourists were returning to Koh Tao resort island in droves

No doubt many going to see and take photos of the crime scene

Edited October 5, 2014 by JohnThailandJohn

[draftvader]

Come on everyone on TV .. if you want to be sure about this then we need 10,000 sigs to move on it to petition the British Embassy and British government for another independent investigation, all people want is real justice and closure for David and Hannahs families, that means 100% without doubt .... get enough voices and the UK gov will have to open an investigation if they havnt already behind closed doors.

We can make a difference for once, all it takes are for good people to do something....

https://www.change.org/p/the-government-of-the-united-kingdom-independently-investigate-the-horrific-murders-of-hannah-witheridge-and-david-miller#share

Please Moderators im asking you on behalf of many do the right thing and let this link stay.

Done. My other suggestion would be that everybody who has signed this gives £5 towards the legal fees. That would be a B2,500,000 defence team. Tasty!

[FangFerang]

There are questions that foreign media and governments will want answered. Some of these can be explained, however; some are quite difficult to answer. These questions include:

• Why were some suspects allowed to refuse DNA sampling?
  
• Why did the phone get turned in and then appear in the bushes behind a migrant worker's residence, and why would such a high value theft item be discarded so close to the residence?
  
• Why was the FBI uninvited to participate and the DNA sent to a country where Thailand has connections?
  
• Why were the current suspects cleared, then uncleared of suspicion?
  
• Will DNA collected from the bodies in England match your samples?
  

If they can answer these questions, all will be satisfied. Otherwise, people will call foul/blue diamond caper until Hades freezes over. This one is not going away anytime soon.

[brizzle]

VALUE STATEMENT 1.

"We are devastated by the heartbreak and suffering that this tragic incident has caused for the family and close friends of the deceased. Our thoughts and feelings are with all who are involved, and this is a despicable and horrific crime that has had no exact equal in the history of this country. Whatever the outcome, and whoever the culprits, there are no words to express the sentiment of the Thai government, administration, and all involved, in their expressions of consolation and regret for the deceased and their families.

VALUE STATEMENT 2

Tourists are returning to Koh Tao resort island in droves.. . . 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," . . . the arrest of the suspects has helped restore confidence among prospective tourists to Koh Tao. The governor said he has instructed the local authorities to provide safety to tourists "in an integrated way", with increase in the number of security officials, security cameras and lights in areas deemed risky . . .increased safety for tourists with those "integrated measures".

It is what is commonly known as ''Tao Cuckoo land''.

Definition from civilised sources :-

Cloud (Tao) cuckoo land refers to an idealistically marvelous state in which every thing is immaculate and desirable. Hence, someone who lives in a cloud cuckoo land is optimistic in a disgusting way; s/he is unable to fully grasp the reality.

Shame on them ,shame on Thailand!

[englishoak]

Good news, everyone should have legal counsel when jailed guilty or not. However, this will not help those who cannot accept the overwhelming evidence against these two or those who want to believe it was the rich Thai kid (for no other reason than he is rich and Thai) that did it who was taking an exam at school in Bangkok and appeared on security cameras that day in Bangkok.

No doubt the lawyers will be able to collect new DNA samples from their clients and have it compared against the DNA results from the semen taken from the scene originally and sent to both Thai and Singapore labs. But again, doubt this will convince some of admitting their original suspicions were wrong.

While police may have done things wrong, there is no plausible way they could fake the DNA and expect to get away with it unless these two accused disappear from the planet and nobody can ever check their or their family's DNA ever again.

it dosnt matter who did it only that they are caught and theres no doubt... As for the kid your on about theres another son and hes not being mentioned but hes real and was on Island at the time. Its a reasonable request to ask the appropriate questions of all.

The whole point of a separate investigation is to verify DNA matching and such... what is your problem with an independent agent or country doing this pref the UK whos citizens it was that were butchered ?

a match is a match right ? shouldnt matter who does it the results will be the same and ThaIand can then stick two fingers up at everyone and regain their honour .. they have everything to gain by doing so if on the level ............so what is the big deal here ?

[brizzle]

Dear John what has just been said is as solid as an Oak ...hear hear!

Edited October 5, 2014 by brizzle

[phuketandsee]

Good news, everyone should have legal counsel when jailed guilty or not. However, this will not help those who cannot accept the overwhelming evidence against these two or those who want to believe it was the rich Thai kid (for no other reason than he is rich and Thai) that did it who was taking an exam at school in Bangkok and appeared on security cameras that day in Bangkok.

No doubt the lawyers will be able to collect new DNA samples from their clients and have it compared against the DNA results from the semen taken from the scene originally and sent to both Thai and Singapore labs. But again, doubt this will convince some of admitting their original suspicions were wrong.

While police may have done things wrong, there is no plausible way they could fake the DNA and expect to get away with it unless these two accused disappear from the planet and nobody can ever check their or their family's DNA ever again.

What exactly is the "overwhelming evidence" you keep referring to? I think most people have very little faith in anything the BIB say especially after their lamentable performance in this case and we only know what they say about the DNA.They seem to be mostly relying on the "confessions" which are not evidence.

[napawan28]

I am confused. Is this the same person?

[Lozza]

Will these lawyers be able to get access to these boys. Also I had no idea that they hadn't been officially charged..

[JohnThailandJohn]

Good news, everyone should have legal counsel when jailed guilty or not. However, this will not help those who cannot accept the overwhelming evidence against these two or those who want to believe it was the rich Thai kid (for no other reason than he is rich and Thai) that did it who was taking an exam at school in Bangkok and appeared on security cameras that day in Bangkok.

No doubt the lawyers will be able to collect new DNA samples from their clients and have it compared against the DNA results from the semen taken from the scene originally and sent to both Thai and Singapore labs. But again, doubt this will convince some of admitting their original suspicions were wrong.

While police may have done things wrong, there is no plausible way they could fake the DNA and expect to get away with it unless these two accused disappear from the planet and nobody can ever check their or their family's DNA ever again.

it dosnt matter who did it only that they are caught and theres no doubt... As for the kid your on about theres another son and hes not being mentioned but hes real and was on Island at the time. Its a reasonable request to ask the appropriate questions of all.

The whole point of a separate investigation is to verify DNA matching and such... what is your problem with an independent agent or country doing this pref the UK whos citizens it was that were butchered ?

a match is a match right ? shouldnt matter who does it the results will be the same and ThaIand can then stick two fingers up at everyone and regain their honour .. they have everything to gain by doing so if on the level ............so what is the big deal here ?

You are right and I agree it doesn't matter who did it as long as they are caught. However there is always doubt and why there is a thing called reasonable doubt. But funny you say it doesn't matter who did it but are worrying about the brother who there is absolutely no reasonable reason to believe he was involved.

You are right there is nothing wrong with a separate independent investigation... should be done in every case everywhere. However again being unreasonable as no country is going to have another country get involved in their ongoing criminal case because of internet posters don't want to believe something. An the UK has no authority nor would they attempt to try to have any over a Thai criminal case.

The DNA collected originaly from the scene was not only sent to both Thai and Singapore Labs where results were established. Now they have the two suspects whose DNA matches and whose DNA can be tested again as long as their bodies remain on this planet.

There is just no reasonable reason to believe these two are not guilty and it was a rich Thai person or any logical reason for the police to continue to look for suspects given the evidence against these two and the statements from the 3 of them together that night.

Yes sometimes it is hard to accept things but look at facts not emotion or what you wish. These two and their witness friends all have lawyers going to represent them who can easily get new DNA samples from them and will surely report any misdeeds by police to their suspects.

More power to those signing the petition. All for what makes people feel good but UK authorities are not going to have access to the suspects to pull their DNA as that is not the way it is done or pretty in any country in the world. Nor will the UK ever make such a request and according to the British Ambassador, he doesn't share your doubts.

Edited October 5, 2014 by JohnThailandJohn

[CWMcMurray]

I believe timid entirely possible that these are the ones who committed the crime , but still think its a good thing for this group to provide lawyers to these 3...

If torture and abuse ... It should come out and those responsive punished...

Although if the DNA tests are accurate and these 3 did it... Hope they also are punished...

Let's see how this all turns out...

[JohnThailandJohn]

Good news, everyone should have legal counsel when jailed guilty or not. However, this will not help those who cannot accept the overwhelming evidence against these two or those who want to believe it was the rich Thai kid (for no other reason than he is rich and Thai) that did it who was taking an exam at school in Bangkok and appeared on security cameras that day in Bangkok.

No doubt the lawyers will be able to collect new DNA samples from their clients and have it compared against the DNA results from the semen taken from the scene originally and sent to both Thai and Singapore labs. But again, doubt this will convince some of admitting their original suspicions were wrong.

While police may have done things wrong, there is no plausible way they could fake the DNA and expect to get away with it unless these two accused disappear from the planet and nobody can ever check their or their family's DNA ever again.

What exactly is the "overwhelming evidence" you keep referring to? I think most people have very little faith in anything the BIB say especially after their lamentable performance in this case and we only know what they say about the DNA.They seem to be mostly relying on the "confessions" which are not evidence.

Again based on what is being reported ...

There friend who was with them right up until the crime will be a witness against them.

Witnesses have put them around the scene at the time of the incident as well as video.

They didn't come forward despite weeks of the publicly stating they were looking for those singing/playing guitar and in at least one of the videos.

A phone of one of the victims was found at their place. (not the phone Facebook forensics keep showing that was collected and displayed by police in the first days of the investigation)

They confessed

They reenacted in front of hundreds of people.

And the big kicker -- their DNA matches the semen on the victim.

And to add ...

The Semen DNA collected well before these two identities were known was also sent to Singapore. So, at least two labs have typed the DNA. Now we have two suspects who match that DNA. Two suspects unless who disappear from the face of the earth (along with their family) will be able to be checked again by their lawyers, NGO and others who want to prove their innocence down the road. (something the police know)

Edited October 5, 2014 by JohnThailandJohn

[Lozza]

ImageUploadedByThaivisa Connect Thailand1412469813.899314.jpg

I am confused. Is this the same person?

Yes, it's the same guy, he's will be the witness.

[mrtoad]

Some nice crass statements from The local mafia, about tourist numbers.

Good to hear that rights groups are stepping in, Andy Hall has got some balls considering his current position.

[JohnThailandJohn]

I believe timid entirely possible that these are the ones who committed the crime , but still think its a good thing for this group to provide lawyers to these 3...

If torture and abuse ... It should come out and those responsive punished...

Although if the DNA tests are accurate and these 3 did it... Hope they also are punished...

Let's see how this all turns out...

What would be nice to see more of ... reasonable and rational posts based on reality and not speculations and wishes based on emotion.

[englishoak]

I believe timid entirely possible that these are the ones who committed the crime , but still think its a good thing for this group to provide lawyers to these 3...

If torture and abuse ... It should come out and those responsive punished...

Although if the DNA tests are accurate and these 3 did it... Hope they also are punished...

Let's see how this all turns out...

What would be nice to see more of ... reasonable and rational posts based on reality and not speculations and wishes based on emotion.

Your basing your trust on the RTP .. the same RTP that are right now being accused of taking money for illegal workers there...ie CORRUPT.. Once credibility is gone it means all other possibilities are open to corruption.... including RTP DNA findings... once credibility is shot thats it ... it left the building faster than Elvis this time.........

That is why we are asking for independent testing and investigation, if you had any wish to know the truth confirmed then youd also put your name down.

Its not emotional its logical.

[boomerangutang]

Good news, everyone should have legal counsel when jailed guilty or not. However, this will not help those who cannot accept the overwhelming evidence against these two or those who want to believe it was the rich Thai kid (for no other reason than he is rich and Thai) that did it who was taking an exam at school in Bangkok and appeared on security cameras that day in Bangkok.

No doubt the lawyers will be able to collect new DNA samples from their clients and have it compared against the DNA results from the semen taken from the scene originally and sent to both Thai and Singapore labs. But again, doubt this will convince some of admitting their original suspicions were wrong.

While police may have done things wrong, there is no plausible way they could fake the DNA and expect to get away with it unless these two accused disappear from the planet and nobody can ever check their or their family's DNA ever again.

You sound like you're buddies with or connected with the Headman's son. Pardon me if my suspicion is wrong. It's just that the son should still be a prime suspect. Same goes for his uncle and the uncle's cop friend. Unfortunately (for the Burmese and for the truth) there is no continuing investigation by officialdom. Case is closed because they have scapegoats.

I am confused. Is this the same person?

If you ask me, no, not the same person. But I'm not the one going along with the frame-up.

Will these lawyers be able to get access to these boys. Also I had no idea that they hadn't been officially charged..

Answer: it's doubtful Thai officialdom will allow private interviews between lawyer and accused. I hope I'm wrong about that, but Thai cops have too much to lose if their frame-up is exposed. Several judicial mechanisms that we, as westerners take for granted (due process, a phone call, an attorney, innocent 'til proven guilty, etc) have been trampled in the zeal to find Burmese scapegoats and have tourism dollars go back up. Officialdom found scapegoats, case closed. No more investigation. All that's left is sentencing, as far as officials are concerned.