Initial DNA test clears Koh Tao village headman's son of murder

[jaywalker]

I was under the believe that Proper DNA tests take a fair time to process and should be done in Forensic Laboratory.....all this rushed testing is crap and the pommy cops should insist on a proper forensic test, not just some local thai hospital.....

http://intrensic.blogspot.com/2009/06/why-does-dna-testing-take-so-long.html ..confirms this....

This is the 21st Century. In many labs all ower the world, DNA test results are available within a few hours, if using the most advanced methods: http://www.angliadna.co.uk/Express-DNA-Testing

Surely you can't be serious? Using 21st Century in reference to Thailand???

Don't call me Shirley.

http://youtu.be/0A5t5_O8hdA

[Bleacher Bum East]

You may want to check what they were sent to Thailand to do. Observe. Check into allegations of torture. Look at the case. They were never sent to determine guilt or innocence.

BBC - quotes UK govt as saying...

"A diplomatic source said: "There are two areas we are particularly concerned about. One is the verification of the DNA samples of the suspects, making sure there is further independent verification.

"And the second is the investigation into allegations of mistreatment of the suspects.

"What the PM secured was agreement from the Thai PM that we can send some British police investigators to Koh Tao to work with the Royal Thai Police on this.""

They want to check the VERIFICATION of DNA samples of the SUSPECTS.

What have we heard about this?

Please see the actual FCO statement

Here is one of 3

http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/foreign_commonwealth_office_answer_our_10_questions_on_the_hannah_witheridge_case_1_3820462

JD you should stop saying there were 3 statements unless you can provide links to all 3.

I actually think this was the only statement relating to the UK team's mission to Thailand.

There was also an earlier press release clarifying the summons of the Thai diplomat in London, which I think can be found on the FCO website...but this didn't relate to the team sent to Thailand.

I believe you think there was a third because a news report referenced an FCO statement, but it was actually referencing the one you linked to above.

It doesn't really matter because the FCO issued responses you linked to above are sufficient, but you should be accurate and not say there were 3 statements when there were not.

If you can link to the other two statements, I'd be happy to stand corrected and would be interested in reading them.

[allan michaud]

What is an 'initial DNA test'? Also how come this seems to have been doe in record time, just a few hours it seems.

[Lite Beer]

Son of Koh Tao headman 'cleared by DNA test'
Khanathit Srihirundaj
The Nation

KOH TAO: -- A DNA test result from the Police General Hospital's Institute of Forensic Medicine has cleared a 22-year-old man, watched closely by many Thai social-media users, in the murder of two British tourists on Koh Tao.

The institute compared the DNA of Warot Tuwichien to evidence at the scene as well as a DNA sample found on the female tourist's body and reported back to police that it didn't match any of them, a source reported yesterday.

Police are now waiting for DNA results from medical teams from Chulalongkorn Hospital, Siriraj Hospital and Ramathibodi Hospital, police spokesman Pol Lt-General Prawut Thawornsiri said. After receiving all the test results, police would report to a press conference, to be held today , he said.

On Thursday, police arranged for the DNA test by medical teams from four institutes on Warot - in front of the media - so as to boost public confidence in the police handling of the case. They were trying to clear public scepticism about their handling of the case amid claims that the two Myanmar men charged with the murders were scapegoats.

The murder of the two Britons on Koh Tao in September made headlines both locally and internationally and received close attention from the public, including social-media users. With the two Myanmar workers arrested for the killings claiming they were tortured into confessing, social media users urged that Warot - son of Woraphan Tuwichien, a village headman on Koh Tao and owner of a bar there - should be treated as a person of interest, despite police ruling him out as a suspect. Hence the man's father brought his son to meet police and undergo the DNA test.

Meanwhile, lawyer Aung Myo Than, who represents the two Myanmar suspects in the case, commented that "Thai police should make sure they have concrete evidence before the suspects are charged in court, as they may face the death penalty. The police submitted the DNA test as the only evidence and not a single witness was present. That's why Koh Samui prosecutors returned the case to the Thai police to find further evidence. Now they want to conduct a DNA test again. We have to consult the two defendants whether they want to go ahead with the second DNA test."

The Myanmar ambassador officially asked for help from the Lawyers' Council of Thailand on Wednesday and a special delegation from Myanmar Embassy was due to visit the two suspects at Koh Samui Prison late yesterday.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Son-of-Koh-Tao-headman-cleared-by-DNA-test-30246745.html

-- The Nation 2014-11-01

[callaway]

Why couldnt Thai authorities do a DNA test fully in 24 hours? Was it not reported recently that they had a cure for Ebola? The first in the world???? See they can do things faster here than any where else in the world.

[ParadiseLost]

KOH TAO: -- A DNA test result from the Police General Hospital's Institute of Forensic Medicine has cleared a 22-year-old man, watched closely by many Thai social-media users, in the murder of two British tourists on Koh Tao.

The institute compared the DNA of Warot Tuwichien to evidence at the scene as well as a DNA sample found on the female tourist's body and reported back to police that it didn't match any of them, a source reported yesterday.

Police are now waiting for DNA results from medical teams from Chulalongkorn Hospital, Siriraj Hospital and Ramathibodi Hospital, police spokesman Pol Lt-General Prawut Thawornsiri said. After receiving all the test results, police would report to a press conference, to be held today , he said.

The statement reads "as well as a sample found on the female tourists body"

Now, as there were reportedly three traces discovered, are they saying the comparison was made using the third trace - as we all know the two Myanmar guys were already a match to traces found internally...

If so, then they have admitted there was a third person present.

What is being done to pursue this lead?

[ClutchClark]

All this test proved is that he more than likely did not rape this woman. And that presumes this test was done correctly, and that the results are completely honest and transparent. Now, what are the chances of that?

Mike, do you really think this test was not performed correctly or that the results will be tampered with?

Or are you just offering a hypothetical?

Edited November 1, 2014 by ClutchClark

[Scott]

Inflammatory posts and replies have been removed.

As previously stated, please chose your word carefully in the discussion. The libel and defamation laws in Thailand are very strict.

[meatboy]

once again its the cilla black show SUPRISE SUPRISE.

followed by victor meldrew I DONT BELEIVE IT.

[ParadiseLost]

Inflammatory posts and replies have been removed.

As previously stated, please chose your word carefully in the discussion. The libel and defamation laws in Thailand are very strict.

Personally I am more sick of reading peoples opinions than hearing the drivel spouted by the police. How about getting people to discuss some factual information for a bloody change?

[Hisseho]

1 hour flight + 30 mins check in + 30 mins from airport to Uni allows 2 hour grace to get to Samui or Chumpon. Might be tight, but do-able if you've got ways and means to make it happen.

Right, did he also time the murders with the boat and plane schedules so there would be absolutely no delays or did he chartered a private speed boat and airplane to do it?

Is it too much to ask for people to think before throwing more BS into the rumor mill?

Yes!

I think that asking people to think before issuing vague feelings or gossip is too much here.

Yet they do not have the DNA of the the head son as an argument to challenge the results of the investigation. There remains only one: Conspiracy.

The conspiracy theory has never been so well illustrated. It is even a festival that read all these interventions that go in the same direction.

keep it up friends, the show you are offering is far more powerful than the caricature.

[A1Str8]

Should have had himself cleared in the very beginning. Now it's just lame.

[Strangebrew]

Well even DNA Test move at Light speed here in less than 24 hours have results his saliva not even dry on cotton swab. You do know British police where here? Bet there going to ask how you got the results so quickly.

[millwall_fan]

No-one will believe that this is not a cover up unless the British police take a DNA sample from this young man to prove his innocence. Sadly, the RTP have proved themselves hopelessly incapable so far in this case. How can anyone prove that the DNA obtained at the police hospital is the same DNA that is submitted to Sirirat hospital or the university?

[AdrianMatthews]

So whose DNA did they test ?????

[ABCer]

"Paradise Lost" - don't get lost in your paradise. Here are some solid facts for you.

"Scott" - you are absolutely right about defamation and libel.

Facts: It has been reported that the Defense Lawyer is doubting the results of a DNA test published by Police.

It has also been reported that this is a crime subject to prosecution by Police AND angry innocent father of two innocent boys.

Time to take the lawyer to Thai Court for libel and defamation of all the best there is in Thailand.

[jacko45k]

KOH TAO: -- A DNA test result from the Police General Hospital's Institute of Forensic Medicine has cleared a 22-year-old man, watched closely by many Thai social-media users, in the murder of two British tourists on Koh Tao.

The institute compared the DNA of Warot Tuwichien to evidence at the scene as well as a DNA sample found on the female tourist's body and reported back to police that it didn't match any of them, a source reported yesterday.

Police are now waiting for DNA results from medical teams from Chulalongkorn Hospital, Siriraj Hospital and Ramathibodi Hospital, police spokesman Pol Lt-General Prawut Thawornsiri said. After receiving all the test results, police would report to a press conference, to be held today , he said.

The statement reads "as well as a sample found on the female tourists body"

Now, as there were reportedly three traces discovered, are they saying the comparison was made using the third trace - as we all know the two Myanmar guys were already a match to traces found internally...

If so, then they have admitted there was a third person present.

What is being done to pursue this lead?

I thought a 3rd DNA type came from the other victim, David Miller.

[ParadiseLost]

KOH TAO: -- A DNA test result from the Police General Hospital's Institute of Forensic Medicine has cleared a 22-year-old man, watched closely by many Thai social-media users, in the murder of two British tourists on Koh Tao.

The institute compared the DNA of Warot Tuwichien to evidence at the scene as well as a DNA sample found on the female tourist's body and reported back to police that it didn't match any of them, a source reported yesterday.

Police are now waiting for DNA results from medical teams from Chulalongkorn Hospital, Siriraj Hospital and Ramathibodi Hospital, police spokesman Pol Lt-General Prawut Thawornsiri said. After receiving all the test results, police would report to a press conference, to be held today , he said.

The statement reads "as well as a sample found on the female tourists body"

Now, as there were reportedly three traces discovered, are they saying the comparison was made using the third trace - as we all know the two Myanmar guys were already a match to traces found internally...

If so, then they have admitted there was a third person present.

What is being done to pursue this lead?

I thought a 3rd DNA type came from the other victim, David Miller.

There was a third DNA trace - saliva, reported on Channel 3 during an interview with police pathologist(s).

[rudy h]

If the Brits really want DNA, they are quite capable of getting it without the Thai's knowledge and if there is a positive what next? They have no jurisdiction.

Edited November 1, 2014 by rudy h

[DekDaeng]

Were lawyers for the defence, witnesses to the taking of samples, and the full chain of handling of the samples?

If not, tests should be repeated. & by different (o/s) labs.

[cowboy country]

You don't have to be. You are assuming that is the only evidence that the police investigation in BKK revealed.

BTW from KT to BKK takes more than 4 hours. First off you must get to Samui or Chumpon then wait for a plane then get from the airport to the university.

4+ hours? Yeah, if he stops off for a Burger King and is after a new pair for flip flops at the airport.

1 hour flight + 30 mins check in + 30 mins from airport to Uni allows 2 hour grace to get to Samui or Chumpon. Might be tight, but do-able if you've got ways and means to make it happen.

Right, did he also time the murders with the boat and plane schedules so there would be absolutely no delays or did he chartered a private speed boat and airplane to do it?

Is it too much to ask for people to think before throwing more BS into the rumor mill?

Has anyone ever gone from KT to Samui in 2 hours?

No

LOL...You have said some stupid things, that is the silliest...A slow boat can do it in 90 minutes,,A speed boat in a hurry like the one that was reported...less than 60 minutes...why so much denial JD...you seem to be taking all this to heart, defending things you can't defend...Do you think the family will charge the police with defamation after naming them early in the investigation, or are the police lies acceptable to you...these scum need to pay...

[Soutpeel]

No-one will believe that this is not a cover up unless the British police take a DNA sample from this young man to prove his innocence. Sadly, the RTP have proved themselves hopelessly incapable so far in this case. How can anyone prove that the DNA obtained at the police hospital is the same DNA that is submitted to Sirirat hospital or the university?

As stated in a previous post, even the British coppers taking the samples is irrelevant, doesn't prove a thing as the sample needs to be compared with something, and at this point in time it appears its the providence of the comparative sample that's in question that has been provided to hospitals to compare against.

[MikePhuket1970]

If the Brits really want DNA, they are quite capable of getting it without the Thai's knowledge and if there is a positive what next? They have no jurisdiction.

That would limited his future travel plans a lot

[shaurene]

He has been cleared of having sex with the lady only. Nothing else. Police have the idea that who ever had the sex is the killer.

[minikev]

KOH TAO: -- A DNA test result from the Police General Hospital's Institute of Forensic Medicine has cleared a 22-year-old man, watched closely by many Thai social-media users, in the murder of two British tourists on Koh Tao.

The institute compared the DNA of Warot Tuwichien to evidence at the scene as well as a DNA sample found on the female tourist's body and reported back to police that it didn't match any of them, a source reported yesterday.

Police are now waiting for DNA results from medical teams from Chulalongkorn Hospital, Siriraj Hospital and Ramathibodi Hospital, police spokesman Pol Lt-General Prawut Thawornsiri said. After receiving all the test results, police would report to a press conference, to be held today , he said.

The statement reads "as well as a sample found on the female tourists body"

Now, as there were reportedly three traces discovered, are they saying the comparison was made using the third trace - as we all know the two Myanmar guys were already a match to traces found internally...

If so, then they have admitted there was a third person present.

What is being done to pursue this lead?

I thought a 3rd DNA type came from the other victim, David Miller.

There was a third DNA trace - saliva, reported on Channel 3 during an interview with police pathologist(s).

Wow you are really going for it. I have read every thread and probably 90% of posts about these murders from day 1. I have read every piece of news available and watched all tv footage available . From what I have learned there wasn't a 3rd person reported by police or pathologist even if people repeatedly misinform. There were three matches of DNA on Hannah's body from 2 people. Do you get it yet. There were 2 DNA matches found in 3 places on Hannah' body. I won't be more specific out of respect for her family. If you think I am wrong go and watch the said interview with a Thai or better still learn to speak the language of the country you choose to live in.

By the way I don't think the B2 did it either but I do believe we should only post what is real.

[Seastallion]

Call me skeptical or a conspiracy theorist, but I think it is a little bit convenient that the headman's son's DNA is now in police possession, just when the police want to re-test the Burmese accused.

If the accused are re-tested and the result is "conclusive", I would have to wonder where the headman's son's sample was when the Burmese samples were tested. Sitting in the same lab, by any chance?

[ClutchClark]

OK, so then your trust is actually so great that you think this event is "staged". Thats what I was hoping to measure, just how large you and others think this alleged conspiracy is.

Now you are thinking that these four respected hospital labs are also complicit in this alleged frame-up.

Can I ask what the motivation would be for these hospitals to risk their credentials?

Thanks

They test what they are given . . . and people are questioning whether the "original" samples they are testing against are actually genuine or not or have been planted . . .

Thanks for a civil response. I appreciate it.

I have stated from the first days when posters were clamoring about demanding DNA tests that any comparison to original samples was dependent on the "quality" of those original samples.

Now that the bodies have been given to Britain for forensics, it would seem likely that early DNA findings would have been independently corroborated by British testing facilities and any sample provided by this young man would be compared against easily authenticated results of the British. After all, the British police have long been allowed to observe the evidentiary proceedings of the RTP in an effort by the latter to show transparency in the investigation.

But there are some members on this forum who are convinced the KT family is some sort of criminal mastermind who controls all of Thailand from their island hide-a-way. Something akin to James Bonds villain, SPECTRE.

[ClutchClark]

He has been cleared of having sex with the lady only. Nothing else. Police have the idea that who ever had the sex is the killer.

And you think the island is so full of rapists and murderers that one group killed her and David and then a separate group came along and raped her?

[johnarth]

Its really such a pity this affair is done with such shady ways from day one-

Few people are interested in this foreseen outcome -

A nation where if your connected to ""high Places"" whispering boo is enough.

This Kid looked eerily similar to the CCTV footage we saw on the night of the crime.

We are told the boys father is connected to a certain person. (high up)

So we initially witnessed NO DNA tests and other bypasses of diligent detective work as far as this suspect is concerned.

Few of us expected a Positive finding today.

Now the Thais will expect us to watch their Kangaroo court with a degree of confidence.

As i said only the Junta fan club will be cheering as this Travesty of justice continues .

just a little longer, and even the Thai police will be leave they have the right people.

[Soutpeel]

LOL...You have said some stupid things, that is the silliest...A slow boat can do it in 90 minutes,,A speed boat in a hurry like the one that was reported...less than 60 minutes...why so much denial JD...you seem to be taking all this to heart, defending things you can't defend...Do you think the family will charge the police with defamation after naming them early in the investigation, or are the police lies acceptable to you...these scum need to pay...

a run between KT and Samui (+/-34 nm) at the relatively slow speed of 17kts can be done in two hours or there bout's and this is not a speed boat, whether is can be done in an hour or so, all depends on the boat you have, but is it conceivable ? certainly if you have a boat that can hit 30 odd kts, and if memory serves the sea states at this time where calm, so no impact from the sea conditions, a boat could travel near to max speed.