Suspects in Koh Tao backpacker murders retract confessions, says official

[ffaarraanngg]

I am sorry for the families

BUT

WHAT IS WITH THE HOLIER THAN THOU ATTITUDE??????

How many tourists are killed in the UK? Are all the cases solved?

How many tourists in NYC or LA are killed and the murders not solved.

This whole put pressure on the Thais is crap.

I think the main reason that this is getting so much hype is that the News wants to try to stay away from local issues and give the people sensationalism.

There are Thousands if not millions of murders committed around the world that never get solved.

Why do the Thai's have to do something that Scotland Yard or the FBI with al their resources have trouble doing?

Are you really this stupid or does it take practise?

[StealthEnergiser]

The Investigation Into Thailand’s Backpacker Slayings Is Officially a Farce

http://time.com/3487462/thailand-koh-tao-murders-hannah-witheridge-david-miller-zaw-lin-win-zaw-htun/

[arich666]

I am sorry for the families

BUT

WHAT IS WITH THE HOLIER THAN THOU ATTITUDE??????

How many tourists are killed in the UK? Are all the cases solved?

How many tourists in NYC or LA are killed and the murders not solved.

This whole put pressure on the Thais is crap.

I think the main reason that this is getting so much hype is that the News wants to try to stay away from local issues and give the people sensationalism.

There are Thousands if not millions of murders committed around the world that never get solved.

Why do the Thai's have to do something that Scotland Yard or the FBI with al their resources have trouble doing?

Haha, it isn't the fact the case isn't being solved, it's the fact the government/Police, who ever are covering it up, and deliberately throwing an investigation, and now they're trying to frame Burmese workers, as everyone said they would from day 1.

Please, use your brain

[Local Drunk]

I am sorry for the families

BUT

WHAT IS WITH THE HOLIER THAN THOU ATTITUDE??????

How many tourists are killed in the UK? Are all the cases solved?

How many tourists in NYC or LA are killed and the murders not solved.

This whole put pressure on the Thais is crap.

I think the main reason that this is getting so much hype is that the News wants to try to stay away from local issues and give the people sensationalism.

There are Thousands if not millions of murders committed around the world that never get solved.

Why do the Thai's have to do something that Scotland Yard or the FBI with al their resources have trouble doing?

Why do the Thai's have to do something that Scotland Yard or the FBI with al their resources have trouble doing?

Do you mean like bungling a basic crime scene analysis on a small isolated island run by a group of maybe five families with potentially a myriad of witnesses to a crime who are afraid to speak out? Well the RTP is then indeed in very good company with Scotland Yard and the FBI.

[catweazle]

I am sorry for the families

BUT

WHAT IS WITH THE HOLIER THAN THOU ATTITUDE??????

How many tourists are killed in the UK? Are all the cases solved?

How many tourists in NYC or LA are killed and the murders not solved.

This whole put pressure on the Thais is crap.

I think the main reason that this is getting so much hype is that the News wants to try to stay away from local issues and give the people sensationalism.

There are Thousands if not millions of murders committed around the world that never get solved.

Why do the Thai's have to do something that Scotland Yard or the FBI with al their resources have trouble doing?

A very shameful post you have written here. You seem to not understand that this case by now is not about the double murder and rape alone, but a fight for humane principles, right and wrong and the greater good! Yes, Hanna and David unfortunately are "just" two in a million of unsolved murder cases in the world, but by now this case has become a landmark and a turning point in an epic fight against the evil here in Thailand, such as mafia and corruption to name just two...

The fact that Thai people of all walks of life join in to expose the real Koh Tao culprits clearly shows that a change of attitude happened here in Thailand - we went from the general "Mai pen rai!" attitude and the conditioned submissive cowardliness when facing "authority" and their threats to a "WE CARE!" movement! And seeing this is just the greatest thing I have ever seen in my over 20 years of living in Thailand!!!

[mok199]

this merry-go-round,is making me dizzy...please make it stop..someone man up and stop wasting time..

[T_Dog]

One thing this Time article leaves out is that this has the backing of the junta.

http://time.com/3487462/thailand-koh-tao-murders-hannah-witheridge-david-miller-zaw-lin-win-zaw-htun/

[JoeLing]

This case will provide a realisation of sorts -

Thousands are cancelling as we speak-

Really. Who is cancelling? Most people are not following this case that closely

Can't say if they are thousands cancelling as we speak BUT

During last years October and November Full Moon Party days I had 286 beds/nights

booked and paid for. Not a single cancellation or "no shows".

For the first November week in 2013 I had an occupancy rate of 82%

During this years October and November Full Moon Party I had bookings for 27 beds/nights

From the 27 beds/nights bookings, I had 8 nights cancelled and 12 just didn't turn up.

For the first November week in 2014, I have an occupancy rate of 26%

Now I'm lucky, we are only a small resort with a pretty good reputation and still have

some customers, mainly Holiday people or People attending Yoga and dive courses

but NO party tourists. Those resorts without a decent reputation or the ones who rely

on Party Tourists, are having a hard time.

No problem for me personally, just gives me a well deserved rest but for others running

businesses here, times have become pretty tough for the small or medium businesses

here on the island as many of them have taken out loans to expand their places whilst

there was a tourist boom. Now, they can't pay back their debts to, .... well guess.

Again, the "Cream de la cream" have nothing to worry, if it's not tourist money flowing

into their pockets, then it's money or land from failed businesses.

If so, and I don't really believe you, but if so, how much do you pay the locals and BIB for caretaking YOUR business???????????????

What you want to believe or not, is entirely up to you.

If you're interested how much the going rate for protection is,

you're welcome to buy my business here and find out by yourself.

[max72]

It is amazing how the corruption in Thailand has increased in the past 4-5 months. It looks like it has multiplied to one billion times.

[JacChang]

Prayuth has filed a refund claim from the RTP for the reward given.

[kblaze]

This case will provide a realisation of sorts -

Thousands are cancelling as we speak-

Really. Who is cancelling? Most people are not following this case that closely

Can't say if they are thousands cancelling as we speak BUT

During last years October and November Full Moon Party days I had 286 beds/nights

booked and paid for. Not a single cancellation or "no shows".

For the first November week in 2013 I had an occupancy rate of 82%

During this years October and November Full Moon Party I had bookings for 27 beds/nights

From the 27 beds/nights bookings, I had 8 nights cancelled and 12 just didn't turn up.

For the first November week in 2014, I have an occupancy rate of 26%

Now I'm lucky, we are only a small resort with a pretty good reputation and still have

some customers, mainly Holiday people or People attending Yoga and dive courses

but NO party tourists. Those resorts without a decent reputation or the ones who rely

on Party Tourists, are having a hard time.

No problem for me personally, just gives me a well deserved rest but for others running

businesses here, times have become pretty tough for the small or medium businesses

here on the island as many of them have taken out loans to expand their places whilst

there was a tourist boom. Now, they can't pay back their debts to, .... well guess.

Again, the "Cream de la cream" have nothing to worry, if it's not tourist money flowing

into their pockets, then it's money or land from failed businesses.

If so, and I don't really believe you, but if so, how much do you pay the locals and BIB for caretaking YOUR business???????????????

This guy gives us first hand, extremely useful info and you are going to give him a hard time for potentially having to do what hundreds and hundreds of farang have done in order to operate businesses in Thailand? cheap shot imo

[Alwyn]

Looks like a few of the PM apologists will be licking their collective wounds pretty soon

[max72]

I am sorry for the families

BUT

WHAT IS WITH THE HOLIER THAN THOU ATTITUDE??????

How many tourists are killed in the UK? Are all the cases solved?

How many tourists in NYC or LA are killed and the murders not solved.

This whole put pressure on the Thais is crap.

I think the main reason that this is getting so much hype is that the News wants to try to stay away from local issues and give the people sensationalism.

There are Thousands if not millions of murders committed around the world that never get solved.

Why do the Thai's have to do something that Scotland Yard or the FBI with al their resources have trouble doing?

Oh the genius has spoken !

How many times in UK, USA, Europe, or any decent country like Costa Rica or Chile or Australia or Taiwan etc etc three innocents are TORTURED to make them sign a confession to cover the real assassin because he is an untouchable ?

Never ! Maybe in the Middle Age. This is not just a not solved murder.

[max72]

I never believed those poor Burmese were the culprits. Myanmar people don't do these things. (it is ironic anyway, bad and good people are everywhere)

[heyexile]

Extracting false confessions by beatings and deceit and fabricating evidence, normal says police officer.

Headline translated by google (and now most commentators)

[ffaarraanngg]

It is amazing how the corruption in Thailand has increased in the past 4-5 months. It looks like it has multiplied to one billion times.

Well the Junta is backed by the historic ruling class so they will be intent on protecting those with connections.

[bongoz]

"Thailand’s most prominent forensic investigator has questioned why an expert in the area was not used to collect samples following the discovery on 15 September of the murdered Britons, Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, on Koh Tao island."

So are they saying the DNA evidence is not valid?

That looks to me like what what the lady effectively just said yes.

i dont see how it can be anything than invalid if it wasnt handled under strict expert forensic supervision when collected

OH come on ... The RTP are an excellent example of the world's finest boys in blue. Professional, competent, honest and caring and don't forget above reproach.

Are the RTP smart enough to 'mis-handle' the DNA so it can't be used in the trial, including the 'real killer(s)'

Sorry I just read what I wrote,

Nah they aren't - just a lucky bunch who get to keep their 'mafia bonuses' as the real killers are now one step closer to getting off scot free!

[bongoz]

The RTP are so used to backing their version of events with threats and intimidation against any questioning of their actions and statements, that they are at a complete loss as to what to do now.

How do you threaten and intimidate mass media from all around the world?

Whatever the outcome of this case, you are going to see an improvement from the RTP when it comes to potential high profile investigations concerning citizens of other countries.

That maybe the only good thing to come out of this farce.

"you are going to see an improvement from the RTP"

you are going to see a more cunning and deceptive RTP I think!

Constable: We have the culprits cornered sarg'

Sarg: Just shoot them, we will say they were threatening us and trying to escape.

Case closed...

Money banked $$$

[Dogmatix]

"Thailand’s most prominent forensic investigator has questioned why an expert in the area was not used to collect samples following the discovery on 15 September of the murdered Britons, Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, on Koh Tao island."

So are they saying the DNA evidence is not valid?

Probably saying that according to Pornthip, the DNA evidence might be compromised. DNA collection and testing is not a simple process that just any clown can handle properly.

I think Khunying Pornthip was referring to the fact that no qualified forensic pathologist was called to to collect evidence from the crime scene and that the crime was not sealed off from tourists and local mobsters who allowed to roam around and poke about at the evidence along with uneducated policemen. That might have meant some DNA was not collected and that some was compromised. It looks like whatever was inside the condom could have been flushed out. I don't think DNA deposited internally could have been removed but it could easily have been added to. Apparently no finger prints were collected. She hasn't referred to the actual DNA testing but no doubt samples can be mixed up and an acceptable result produced. That apparently happened to the blood sample showing alcohol and cocaine present in the young punk that killed the police sergeant in his Ferrari on Thonglor.

[sunshine51]

The RTP are so used to backing their version of events with threats and intimidation against any questioning of their actions and statements, that they are at a complete loss as to what to do now.

How do you threaten and intimidate mass media from all around the world?

Whatever the outcome of this case, you are going to see an improvement from the RTP when it comes to potential high profile investigations concerning citizens of other countries.

That maybe the only good thing to come out of this farce.

KB...Ran outa likes on another thread. However, I agree pretty much with what you stated but...

fecal matter rolls down hill and the cleaning up, so to speak, has to start from the top. That

is the conundrum. Although I hope for the best, I won't hold my breath.

[jomcondo]

The Myanmar boys have been thrown to the wolves.

[DennisF]

This case will provide a realisation of sorts -

Thousands are cancelling as we speak-

Really. Who is cancelling? Most people are not following this case that closely

Can't say if they are thousands cancelling as we speak BUT

During last years October and November Full Moon Party days I had 286 beds/nights

booked and paid for. Not a single cancellation or "no shows".

For the first November week in 2013 I had an occupancy rate of 82%

During this years October and November Full Moon Party I had bookings for 27 beds/nights

From the 27 beds/nights bookings, I had 8 nights cancelled and 12 just didn't turn up.

For the first November week in 2014, I have an occupancy rate of 26%

Now I'm lucky, we are only a small resort with a pretty good reputation and still have

some customers, mainly Holiday people or People attending Yoga and dive courses

but NO party tourists. Those resorts without a decent reputation or the ones who rely

on Party Tourists, are having a hard time.

No problem for me personally, just gives me a well deserved rest but for others running

businesses here, times have become pretty tough for the small or medium businesses

here on the island as many of them have taken out loans to expand their places whilst

there was a tourist boom. Now, they can't pay back their debts to, .... well guess.

Again, the "Cream de la cream" have nothing to worry, if it's not tourist money flowing

into their pockets, then it's money or land from failed businesses.

Thanks for sharing that, many of us now have an insight into the effect this case is having on businesses.

Sad but inevitable.

I suppose many of us are hoping that some desperate cash strapped local business owner knows something and blows the whistle

but thats a pipe dream I suppose.

Good luck with the rest of the season, I hope your regulars return.

[gbswales]

The investigation, all evidence and the suspects should be handed over immediately to an independent police force from another country - ideally U|K - who should be given free reign to investigate in Thailand without any interference from the local police. There is absolutely no way that the RTP can retain credibility in this case - they should also invite another country to investigate police corruption in Thailand. It is time to stop worrying about "loss of face" "pride" and "the impact on tourism" - A complete independent overhaul is needed if the RTP are ever to be trusted

[FredNL]

I am not planning to visit Koh Tao Rupt...

[kieran2698]

With some notable exceptions, Thai police are generally poorly educated and not very bright but their careers start with paying bribes to pass the police entrance exams.

Youve got to have a degree to get into the police i am led to believe so they are educated to some degree.

As someone who left school at 15 i find your comment about education patronising as if plagiarising Karl Marx from some degree mill somehow makes one intelligent and decent.

They have to pass an entrance exam, not have a degree.

Plagiarism and the presenting of degrees purchased from degree mills are both fraudulent activities and obviously irrelevant when discussing actual education.

You might also care to note the 'and' between 'poorly educated' and 'not very bright', these are entirely separate concepts, but both would apply to you.

[DennisF]

Just re read the British position on this casde:

"We are concerned about the reports of allegations of mistreatment and expect these to be dealt with appropriately. The investigation and judicial process remains a matter for the Thai authorities, but we expect it to be conducted in a fair and transparent way.”

Im no diplomat, we dont have many in Yorkshire but, that looks like a stern warning/veiled threat to me. Anyone else think that?

[Local Drunk]

It is amazing how the corruption in Thailand has increased in the past 4-5 months. It looks like it has multiplied to one billion times.

More like how more of it has "come to light" in the past few months. It's always been here. You should really try to refrain from making ridiculous suggestions linking absurd increases in corruption with a change of government.

[jomcondo]

I thought the DSI was setup for situations like this?

[Wilsonandson]

Even Sean MCAnna believes the Myanmar boys are scapegoats.

http://m.soundcloud.com/seanmcanna/comments

[gbswales]

Allowing an independent UK police team to take over the investigation completely is the only way that credibility can be retained. The RTP suggestion that many people retract confessions is indicative of their methods - people will confess to anything under pressure. While the team are there they should be invited to investigate police corruption throughout Thailand as only an independent external force could do this. Time to forget "loss of face" they have no "face" left to lose