Myanmar embassy seeking defence witnesses for Koh Tao accused

[Wilsonandson]

According to mews reports a Norwegian woman has died off the coast of Koh Toa .after being hot by a propellor in the jead whilst diving.

[falangjim]

why did not the British investigators take DNA samples from the two boys and test them against the semen in the decesed body? Surely it is the first thing to be done. Or did the RTP refuse to let them?

Sorry to burst your bubble. If you read Andy Hall's posts on this case, he shows a letter written from the UK police who visited Koh Tao. In a very long-winded boring letter, they state that they essentially did not investigate the murders of Hannah and David. They conclude their letter back to the defence team pretty much saying, we can't help you so stop asking.

[IslandLover]

SLESQ, on 22 Dec 2014 - 15:50, said:SLESQ, on 22 Dec 2014 - 15:50, said:

10846384_10205709046393824_4992774214714826275_n.jpg

Thank you all for continuing your open discussion.

I will not comment on specific points but to say (1) in general this open debate is welcome and refreshing, and (2) based on the investigations to date and continuing, we firmly believe in our client's innocence.

While some folks have speculated otherwise and we cannot know their motives for such negative speculation, we also support their right to comment. We feel neither need nor obligation to respond.

Met Police Report from Andy Hall

IMPORTANT DOCUMENT RELEASE

The Koh Tao murder case accused’s defence team has been working closely with REPRIEVE in the United Kingdom to explore the UK police role in the investigation of the Koh Tao murder case. I have now been given permission by REPRIEVE, REPRIEVE lawyers and Mr. Nakhon Chompuchat, head lawyer for the Koh Tao case defence team, to release the Metropolitan Police response document publicly.

In summary from this document:

- The UK Metropolitan police did not conduct any investigations into the Koh Tao murders in Thailand, had observer status only and did not provide any advice or assistance;

- The Metropolitan Police did not during its visit to Thailand take possession of any evidence, including physical evidence, forensic evidence, exhibits, interviews or statements;

- The police are preparing a report but this is for internal use only and will not be completed until January 2015 - it will not be shared with the Thai authorities;

- No other information will be shared with the Thai authorities by the UK government or police without an assurance regarding the death penalty;

- The UK police do hold some limited information on the case but rely on an exemption under the Data Protection Act to refuse to provide this information (because it would prejudice a criminal prosecution).

This response leaves some major questions unanswered, including the issue of the validity of statements issued by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office on behalf of the parents of the deceased.

For other questions and discussions on this issue/response, the lawyers team welcome public debate that will hopefully result from release of this document in full.

- The UK Metropolitan police did not conduct any investigations into the Koh Tao murders in Thailand, had observer status only and did not provide any advice or assistance;

- The Metropolitan Police did not during its visit to Thailand take possession of any evidence, including physical evidence, forensic evidence, exhibits, interviews or statements;

@SLESQ - Thank you for your informative post. I think this is something many of us suspected

The only conclusion I can draw from this is that the families of David and Hannah have only been shown the "evidence" collected by the RTP. What a pity.

Edited December 22, 2014 by IslandLover

[lildragon]

why did not the British investigators take DNA samples from the two boys and test them against the semen in the decesed body? Surely it is the first thing to be done. Or did the RTP refuse to let them?

Sorry to burst your bubble. If you read Andy Hall's posts on this case, he shows a letter written from the UK police who visited Koh Tao. In a very long-winded boring letter, they state that they essentially did not investigate the murders of Hannah and David. They conclude their letter back to the defence team pretty much saying, we can't help you so stop asking.

Wait, they UK cops didn't go at all or they went and did basically nothing?

[IslandLover]

lildragon, on 22 Dec 2014 - 17:55, said:

falangjim, on 22 Dec 2014 - 17:19, said:

gamini, on 20 Dec 2014 - 03:52, said:

why did not the British investigators take DNA samples from the two boys and test them against the semen in the decesed body? Surely it is the first thing to be done. Or did the RTP refuse to let them?

Sorry to burst your bubble. If you read Andy Hall's posts on this case, he shows a letter written from the UK police who visited Koh Tao. In a very long-winded boring letter, they state that they essentially did not investigate the murders of Hannah and David. They conclude their letter back to the defence team pretty much saying, we can't help you so stop asking.

Wait, they UK cops didn't go at all or they went and did basically nothing?

They went ..... and did basically nothing

[lildragon]

Free holiday then told by the politicians to tell the families that the investigation went 'well'. All in the name of 'diplomacy' anyone with a pair of eyes can see this is a farce. I am ashamed of my governments cowardly handling of this.

[tattoodrob]

lildragon, on 22 Dec 2014 - 17:55, said:

falangjim, on 22 Dec 2014 - 17:19, said:

gamini, on 20 Dec 2014 - 03:52, said:

why did not the British investigators take DNA samples from the two boys and test them against the semen in the decesed body? Surely it is the first thing to be done. Or did the RTP refuse to let them?

Sorry to burst your bubble. If you read Andy Hall's posts on this case, he shows a letter written from the UK police who visited Koh Tao. In a very long-winded boring letter, they state that they essentially did not investigate the murders of Hannah and David. They conclude their letter back to the defence team pretty much saying, we can't help you so stop asking.

Wait, they UK cops didn't go at all or they went and did basically nothing?

They went ..... and did basically nothing

They did more than nothing.......they made it worse...the family now think the RTP done a good job because the bobbies just report what corrupt RTP told them and it also shows the British Government couldnt give a flying **** about the Burmese boys..if British people were accused then maybe more of an effort would have been made to help them but it now shows the British were only sent for show and only due to some pressure from the public,so you are correct they did nothing to find out the truth..those poor boys will have to rely on some brave people coming forward but looks like the friends and other foreign witnesses will let innocent people possibly die....even if someone not willing to come to trial then at least they could publicly tell what they know......looks like Andy and legal gang got a hard job ahead and those poor lads think theyre getting out very soon...maybe they should be told that it may not happen at all let alone soon.

[tattoodrob]

Eirene, on 22 Dec 2014 - 05:54, said:Eirene, on 22 Dec 2014 - 05:54, said:

I wonder if this British tourist is one of the witnesses for the defence? Anyone read a followup to this story?

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/What-about-bar-manager-accused-of-harassing-victim-30246806.html

Edit: Perhaps this is a messed up version of the Sean McAnna story.

There hasn't been a follow-up to this story as far as I know, apart from it being repeated several times in the international press. Appeals have been made for the alleged photo taken in the AC bar on the night of the murders but as far as I know it hasn't turned up.

Perhaps this is a messed up version of the Sean McAnna story

I'm beginning to wonder that myself, but in a different way. It is curious that it was reported Sean didn't use his own phone to post the photo and fb message when he was holed up in the minimart being threatened by Mon and the "Big Ears" cop. Instead he allegedly used the phone of the girl behind the counter. Had Sean lost his phone? Had it been stolen? I seen to remember seeing a photo, right at the beginning of the investigation, of a number of phones being displayed by the RTP, one of which had a Ducati logo (on the screen?) just like the one on Sean's chest. If it was Sean who took the photo of Hannah being harassed in the AC bar on the night of the murders, then it will be long gone, I'm afraid.

Thats very interesting,have you got a link to that photo of phone with the Ducati logo as is very coincidental that!!! could explain a lot about that Sean and his story....that wound on his arm is really suspicious as ive never ever seen a puncture wound like that before from a motorbike accident and ive been in a few and seen results from many crashes in Thailand.......he could have explained further as to what exactly caused that particular wound as not many sharp parts on a bike like that........also weird why the Mon and cop after him,maybe hes a witness or even an instigator of the crime.

[catsanddogs]

Free holiday then told by the politicians to tell the families that the investigation went 'well'. All in the name of 'diplomacy' anyone with a pair of eyes can see this is a farce. I am ashamed of my governments cowardly handling of this.

Ashamed too.

[catsanddogs]

Eirene, on 22 Dec 2014 - 05:54, said:Eirene, on 22 Dec 2014 - 05:54, said:

I wonder if this British tourist is one of the witnesses for the defence? Anyone read a followup to this story?

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/What-about-bar-manager-accused-of-harassing-victim-30246806.html

Edit: Perhaps this is a messed up version of the Sean McAnna story.

There hasn't been a follow-up to this story as far as I know, apart from it being repeated several times in the international press. Appeals have been made for the alleged photo taken in the AC bar on the night of the murders but as far as I know it hasn't turned up.

Perhaps this is a messed up version of the Sean McAnna story

I'm beginning to wonder that myself, but in a different way. It is curious that it was reported Sean didn't use his own phone to post the photo and fb message when he was holed up in the minimart being threatened by Mon and the "Big Ears" cop. Instead he allegedly used the phone of the girl behind the counter. Had Sean lost his phone? Had it been stolen? I seen to remember seeing a photo, right at the beginning of the investigation, of a number of phones being displayed by the RTP, one of which had a Ducati logo (on the screen?) just like the one on Sean's chest. If it was Sean who took the photo of Hannah being harassed in the AC bar on the night of the murders, then it will be long gone, I'm afraid.

Thats very interesting,have you got a link to that photo of phone with the Ducati logo as is very coincidental that!!! could explain a lot about that Sean and his story....that wound on his arm is really suspicious as ive never ever seen a puncture wound like that before from a motorbike accident and ive been in a few and seen results from many crashes in Thailand.......he could have explained further as to what exactly caused that particular wound as not many sharp parts on a bike like that........also weird why the Mon and cop after him,maybe hes a witness or even an instigator of the crime.

He probably did have a bike accident when he said he did. That's why he said something like his friends could confirm that he did. I think he even put it down to the particular date of the accident. So that would be a stroke of luck for McAnna that he could tie in the arm wound that is similar to those of David's and yet have witnesses to the bike accident. I think I remember seeing a photo of his phone too a few months ago too but don't remember where. If McAnna had incriminating evidence of his phone then the police would have kept it. Hence him having to use the worker's phone in the 24/7 store to get his FB posts out when he was approached/chased my Mon and the cop a week later. There was a post on the FB site a few weeks ago by a woman claiming she 'knew 100%' that McAnna was the killer. That's quite a claim. Maybe she just held a grudge for some reason?

It never rang true for me when McAnna first said publicly that he really wanted to see his mate David but he was asleep with a hangover. Why hasn't anyone seemingly come out and vouched for McAnna? Where are the witnesses to say he was clearly wrecked that night and would most likely have been sleeping it off because no one saw him?

If it is true that the the UK police have not interviewed any of the UK backpackers along with McAnna then this is a disgrace. It's unbelievable. It means not only are the Burmese men not getting a fair trial, but that those people who are potentially British murderers or accessories to murder, are out there somewhere and the UK is doing F all for its citizens. No better than the RTP in my opinion. Shame on you.

[lildragon]

I think Sean is an unhinged character and knows more than what he has shared publicly certainly, but a killer? I'm not convinced. And if he was how would he even began to mastermind a cover up? A broke back packer doesn't have the kind of money this cover up has taken. Why would anyone protect him?

He should stand as a witness but I don't believe he physically killed anyone.

[IslandLover]

tattoodrob, on 22 Dec 2014 - 19:57, said:

IslandLover, on 22 Dec 2014 - 15:19, said:

Eirene, on 22 Dec 2014 - 05:54, said:Eirene, on 22 Dec 2014 - 05:54, said:Eirene, on 22 Dec 2014 - 05:54, said:

I wonder if this British tourist is one of the witnesses for the defence? Anyone read a followup to this story?

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/What-about-bar-manager-accused-of-harassing-victim-30246806.html

Edit: Perhaps this is a messed up version of the Sean McAnna story.

There hasn't been a follow-up to this story as far as I know, apart from it being repeated several times in the international press. Appeals have been made for the alleged photo taken in the AC bar on the night of the murders but as far as I know it hasn't turned up.

Perhaps this is a messed up version of the Sean McAnna story

I'm beginning to wonder that myself, but in a different way. It is curious that it was reported Sean didn't use his own phone to post the photo and fb message when he was holed up in the minimart being threatened by Mon and the "Big Ears" cop. Instead he allegedly used the phone of the girl behind the counter. Had Sean lost his phone? Had it been stolen? I seen to remember seeing a photo, right at the beginning of the investigation, of a number of phones being displayed by the RTP, one of which had a Ducati logo (on the screen?) just like the one on Sean's chest. If it was Sean who took the photo of Hannah being harassed in the AC bar on the night of the murders, then it will be long gone, I'm afraid.

Thats very interesting,have you got a link to that photo of phone with the Ducati logo as is very coincidental that!!! could explain a lot about that Sean and his story....that wound on his arm is really suspicious as ive never ever seen a puncture wound like that before from a motorbike accident and ive been in a few and seen results from many crashes in Thailand.......he could have explained further as to what exactly caused that particular wound as not many sharp parts on a bike like that........also weird why the Mon and cop after him,maybe hes a witness or even an instigator of the crime.

I wish I could find that photo now. I've seen so much information about this case and so many photos in press reports and elsewhere that I can't remember where I saw it. I just noticed the Ducati logo which was the same as Sean's tattoo.

Regarding the motorbike accident, Sean did give an explanation on his Soundcloud account of how he got his wounds, which has since been conveniently deleted. I didn't find his explanation very convincing. He also had a similar wound on the back of his leg, not just on his arm. They looked like some kind of knife wounds to me. These pictures surfaced after the minimart incident and before he left the island. The Mirror and the Telegraph carried the story, including a video interview with Sean. According to someone who lives on the island and who posted on this forum a while back, Sean got into a fight, but the poster didn't say when.

[IslandLover]

lildragon, on 22 Dec 2014 - 21:19, said:lildragon, on 22 Dec 2014 - 21:19, said:

I think Sean is an unhinged character and knows more than what he has shared publicly certainly, but a killer? I'm not convinced. And if he was how would he even began to mastermind a cover up? A broke back packer doesn't have the kind of money this cover up has taken. Why would anyone protect him?

He should stand as a witness but I don't believe he physically killed anyone.

No, I don't think he killed anyone either, but I think he knows what happened that night. Besides, he was supposed to be David Miller's friend. They knew each other from David's university days in Leeds.

Sean may well have been paid to keep his mouth shut. He seemed to be extremely pally with a policeman when he left the island, according to one of the photos I've seen of them clasping hands. He was allowed to leave the island, apparently, because his DNA didn't match that found at the crime scene. There was no further mention of the blood splatter on his guitar though. I wonder how he explained that away?

Edited December 22, 2014 by IslandLover

[DennisF]

lildragon, on 22 Dec 2014 - 21:19, said:

I think Sean is an unhinged character and knows more than what he has shared publicly certainly, but a killer? I'm not convinced. And if he was how would he even began to mastermind a cover up? A broke back packer doesn't have the kind of money this cover up has taken. Why would anyone protect him?

He should stand as a witness but I don't believe he physically killed anyone.

No, I don't think he killed anyone either, but I think he knows what happened that night. Besides, he was supposed to be David Miller's friend. They knew each other from David's university days in Leeds.

Sean may well have been paid to keep his mouth shut. He seemed to be extremely pally with a policeman when he left the island, according to one of the photos I've seen of them clasping hands. He was allowed off the island, apparently, because his DNA didn't match that found at the crime scene. There was no further mention of the blood splatter on his guitar though. I wonder how he explained that away?

Sean could certainly be a key witness to all this.

My own theory is that after he posted the threats online a new offer was made and he accepted it.

A check on his finances would not go amiss.

Remember this devastated friend of the murder victim was the host of a bar crawl a short distance from the crime scene just hours after the bodies had been discovered. He did seem to be having a good time too.

That photo, if it does or did exist would be worth a lot of money to some people.

Mememe is this convicted paedophiles philosophy.

We will get nothing from him.

[Eirene]

Thanks for the replies. I wonder if the smashed up phone found in the bushes belonged to Sean? Do we know for sure he even owned one? Has he ever stated that he lost his phone? I know no one can answer these questions other than Sean McAnna so it is rather doubtful they will ever be answered. MOO

I would like to wish everyone 'A Very Merry Holiday Season and a Much Happier New Year!' My thoughts are with the families that have lost loved one's this year. We lost one young lad in October, it's heartbreaking to not have him here this season.

Gun cuireadh do chupa thairis le slàinte agus sonas.

Slàinte Mhòr!!

Eirene

[greenchair]

10846384_10205709046393824_4992774214714826275_n.jpg

Andy Hall just filed this report:

• Just finished meeting with Zaw Lin/Wei Phyo at Koh Samui prison with MWRN Vice President Aung Kyaw this morning. The guys in good health/spirits and happy to see a new and old visitor.
• Despite depositing 2 weeks ago more than enough funds for Zaw Lin/Wei Phyo to buy/assemble bedding for themselves as they said the hard floor in their cell made it difficult to sleep, the guys not purchased any bedding yet.
• Zaw Lin/Wei Phyo said to me that they are confident to be released verysoon so they didn't want to waste the 2000 baht money we deposited.
• Today asked/ordered them to buy again the bedding for their short term comfort anyway as was donated to them and I said it wouldn't be wasted as they could donate to another prisoner when they manage to leave the prison anyway. Will check up on this...
• The guys were both very happy to read messages/letters of encouragement we showed them during the visit and asked me to deposit [messages/letters of encouragement] through the prison for them to read inside in more detail.
• Unfortunately prison authorities now refused today to pass on the letters to the boys as before they always did, citing new orders and the prison staff said they will only accept letters or messages via official mail channels.
• The guys both asked us if they would be released on Friday after the court hearing or very soon as they really want to go home back to Myanmar now and be with their families. We told them the court process will surely take time.

We all (most at least) can agree this is heart-breaking.

We need witnesses to come forward who have direct and relevant information that will lead to the exoneration of these two innocent lads.

It seems that as the Kingdome of Thailand and the world rise both to defend the lads and oppose their harsh treatment by the State, the corrupt who hold their bodies will increase the lads' discomfort in an effort to break their spirits.

This new restriction on emotional support is a signal the nation and the world must rise our collective voices louder, but not harsher, to proclaim this treatment will no longer be tolerated. We will dig in for the long haul until the State releases them to go home... alive!

Please give generously to their defense fund. No one is giving up to save their lives; thank you all for your support. The MWRN Koh Tao case accused fair trial defense fund is where donations are made.

Perhaps they might think it bad luck to buy bedding. As it is acceptance they might be there for a while. Wish they could be bailed.

[stephen terry]

Free holiday then told by the politicians to tell the families that the investigation went 'well'. All in the name of 'diplomacy' anyone with a pair of eyes can see this is a farce. I am ashamed of my governments cowardly handling of this.

Ashamed too.

And me, especially the FCO's intervention by issuing a families' statement. Can't help but feel the families' have been diplomatically manipulated.

However, there is also the possibility that this was intentionally misleading to hide the fact that behind the scenes diplomacy is another story that will be revealed to the Thai PM. Maybe UKMP evidence of corruption (one of David Cameron's stated objectives) that could lead to the PM pulling the plug, and bringing this whole farce to a premature end.

Or is this just a pipe-dream?

Edited December 23, 2014 by stephen terry

[greenchair]

It has always been difficult for me to remember their names. I think it would help their cause using their names a little more. Is it OK to shorten them too zaw and Wei? Anything we can do to help we on TV who support these boys. We will do it. We must know if the boys were dna tested in the first round?

[DennisF]

There is a post today on the spacebook page from a British Guy who owns a hotel in Spain offering to sponsor the Burmese witnesses and offer them work in his hotel.

Great news if it is a genuine offer.

[DennisF]

It has always been difficult for me to remember their names. I think it would help their cause using their names a little more. Is it OK to shorten them too zaw and Wei? Anything we can do to help we on TV who support these boys. We will do it. We must know if the boys were dna tested in the first round?

At least one of them was, he is in the media photo showing the first people to be tested.

In addition the RTP stated that ALL employees of the AC bar had been tested and eliminated, these 2 guys both worked there.

[lildragon]

It has always been difficult for me to remember their names. I think it would help their cause using their names a little more. Is it OK to shorten them too zaw and Wei? Anything we can do to help we on TV who support these boys. We will do it. We must know if the boys were dna tested in the first round?

At least one of them was, he is in the media photo showing the first people to be tested.

In addition the RTP stated that ALL employees of the AC bar had been tested and eliminated, these 2 guys both worked there.

Where can I find this pic?

[cup-O-coffee]

I hope they will be introducing Khunying Pornthip as a witness and she confirms what she said in an interview recently that her office has been excluded from involvement in this investigation and that no forensic scientists were involved in collecting the DNA and forensic evidence at the crime scene, Unfortunately the translation of her interview is not perfect and it would be good if a Thai speaker could offer some insight because I would be interested to know exactly who was collecting the DNA and whether they were qualified to do so,

She also points out that no-one should insist that the Headman's son is innocent just because his DNA test didn't match with evidence found at the crime scene.

The English translation of the interview is here: https://democracyforburma.wordpress.com/2014/10/09/khunying-pornthip-koh-tao-forensic-work-needs-to-separate-with-police-authority/

Does anyone know who is the forensic pathologist working this case?

My understanding was that there were no forensic pathologists working this case, and that DNA evidence was collected by the rag tag RTP. Maybe since the collection way back in September, a forensic pathologist worked the case.

So, in fact, what you are suggesting is that it was a team of forensic pathological liars who collected items?

[stephen terry]

I hope they will be introducing Khunying Pornthip as a witness and she confirms what she said in an interview recently that her office has been excluded from involvement in this investigation and that no forensic scientists were involved in collecting the DNA and forensic evidence at the crime scene, Unfortunately the translation of her interview is not perfect and it would be good if a Thai speaker could offer some insight because I would be interested to know exactly who was collecting the DNA and whether they were qualified to do so,

She also points out that no-one should insist that the Headman's son is innocent just because his DNA test didn't match with evidence found at the crime scene.

The English translation of the interview is here: https://democracyforburma.wordpress.com/2014/10/09/khunying-pornthip-koh-tao-forensic-work-needs-to-separate-with-police-authority/

Does anyone know who is the forensic pathologist working this case?

My understanding was that there were no forensic pathologists working this case, and that DNA evidence was collected by the rag tag RTP. Maybe since the collection way back in September, a forensic pathologist worked the case.

So, in fact, what you are suggesting is that it was a team of forensic pathological liars who collected items?

Yes, that seems like an accurate description. A contaminated crime scene indicates less than competent, and not having a qualified forensic pathologist on site indicates less than competent, and the constant statements and retractions indicates less than competent - although I do grant that the first Police General was on the right track until he was replaced on 23rd September.

[catsanddogs]

lildragon, on 22 Dec 2014 - 21:19, said:

I think Sean is an unhinged character and knows more than what he has shared publicly certainly, but a killer? I'm not convinced. And if he was how would he even began to mastermind a cover up? A broke back packer doesn't have the kind of money this cover up has taken. Why would anyone protect him?

He should stand as a witness but I don't believe he physically killed anyone.

No, I don't think he killed anyone either, but I think he knows what happened that night. Besides, he was supposed to be David Miller's friend. They knew each other from David's university days in Leeds.

Sean may well have been paid to keep his mouth shut. He seemed to be extremely pally with a policeman when he left the island, according to one of the photos I've seen of them clasping hands. He was allowed off the island, apparently, because his DNA didn't match that found at the crime scene. There was no further mention of the blood splatter on his guitar though. I wonder how he explained that away?

Sean could certainly be a key witness to all this.

My own theory is that after he posted the threats online a new offer was made and he accepted it.

A check on his finances would not go amiss.

Remember this devastated friend of the murder victim was the host of a bar crawl a short distance from the crime scene just hours after the bodies had been discovered. He did seem to be having a good time too.

That photo, if it does or did exist would be worth a lot of money to some people.

Mememe is this convicted paedophiles philosophy.

We will get nothing from him.

And there was talk too of him giving an interview to a British paper - the Mail I think. Something happened to stop this being published too.

[z42]

The video with Sondai talking about the whole affair is really eye opening. A man at his level (past, currrently, whenever) will know how the system in Thailand works inside out. You simply can't get to the position he got without having connections both clean cut and uber crooked.

He specifically pointed out that Sean was to be picked out as the scapegoat but the plan was scuppered when he made the smart move to get journalists to get his side of the story first before the cops did. Probably saved his life. Why else would the 2 guys (mon and the moustachioed copper) follow him into the shop without a reason/.
No reason as to to why they followed him into the shop has ever been put forth by the 2 guys. Sean put his side across but it's clear now that anything he says should be taken with a pinch of salt. But again WHY WERE THEY FOLLOWING HIM in the first place?

Any rational / honest person can see that the story the RTP are peddling simply doesn't add up. Not saying its 100% false but there are way too many inconsistencies in there for it to even merit arresting somebody let alone trying them on 4 different charges in court.
I hope the defence team do some digging about the "safe house" that the B3, not B2 were "intensively interrogated" in prior to their confession. surely its existence in the whole evidence gathering process is enough for the whole dirty stinking case to be thrown out. Lives are on the line here. When is anybody going to do the right thing and stop this trainwreck before more innocent lives are destroyed

[AleG]

The video with Sondai talking about the whole affair is really eye opening. A man at his level (past, currrently, whenever) will know how the system in Thailand works inside out. You simply can't get to the position he got without having connections both clean cut and uber crooked.

He specifically pointed out that Sean was to be picked out as the scapegoat but the plan was scuppered when he made the smart move to get journalists to get his side of the story first before the cops did. Probably saved his life. Why else would the 2 guys (mon and the moustachioed copper) follow him into the shop without a reason/.

No reason as to to why they followed him into the shop has ever been put forth by the 2 guys. Sean put his side across but it's clear now that anything he says should be taken with a pinch of salt. But again WHY WERE THEY FOLLOWING HIM in the first place?

Any rational / honest person can see that the story the RTP are peddling simply doesn't add up. Not saying its 100% false but there are way too many inconsistencies in there for it to even merit arresting somebody let alone trying them on 4 different charges in court.

I hope the defence team do some digging about the "safe house" that the B3, not B2 were "intensively interrogated" in prior to their confession. surely its existence in the whole evidence gathering process is enough for the whole dirty stinking case to be thrown out. Lives are on the line here. When is anybody going to do the right thing and stop this trainwreck before more innocent lives are destroyed

"But again WHY WERE THEY FOLLOWING HIM in the first place?"

Maybe because, like many here, they jumped at conclusions and "knew" he was the murderer?

[greenchair]

It has always been difficult for me to remember their names. I think it would help their cause using their names a little more. Is it OK to shorten them too zaw and Wei? Anything we can do to help we on TV who support these boys. We will do it. We must know if the boys were dna tested in the first round?

At least one of them was, he is in the media photo showing the first people to be tested.

In addition the RTP stated that ALL employees of the AC bar had been tested and eliminated, these 2 guys both worked there.

Where can I find this pic?

Flick through csi. Most of the pictures come from there

[greenchair]

10846384_10205709046393824_4992774214714826275_n.jpg

Andy Hall just filed this report:

• Just finished meeting with Zaw Lin/Wei Phyo at Koh Samui prison with MWRN Vice President Aung Kyaw this morning. The guys in good health/spirits and happy to see a new and old visitor.
• Despite depositing 2 weeks ago more than enough funds for Zaw Lin/Wei Phyo to buy/assemble bedding for themselves as they said the hard floor in their cell made it difficult to sleep, the guys not purchased any bedding yet.
• Zaw Lin/Wei Phyo said to me that they are confident to be released verysoon so they didn't want to waste the 2000 baht money we deposited.
• Today asked/ordered them to buy again the bedding for their short term comfort anyway as was donated to them and I said it wouldn't be wasted as they could donate to another prisoner when they manage to leave the prison anyway. Will check up on this...
• The guys were both very happy to read messages/letters of encouragement we showed them during the visit and asked me to deposit [messages/letters of encouragement] through the prison for them to read inside in more detail.
• Unfortunately prison authorities now refused today to pass on the letters to the boys as before they always did, citing new orders and the prison staff said they will only accept letters or messages via official mail channels.
• The guys both asked us if they would be released on Friday after the court hearing or very soon as they really want to go home back to Myanmar now and be with their families. We told them the court process will surely take time.

We all (most at least) can agree this is heart-breaking.

We need witnesses to come forward who have direct and relevant information that will lead to the exoneration of these two innocent lads.

It seems that as the Kingdome of Thailand and the world rise both to defend the lads and oppose their harsh treatment by the State, the corrupt who hold their bodies will increase the lads' discomfort in an effort to break their spirits.

This new restriction on emotional support is a signal the nation and the world must rise our collective voices louder, but not harsher, to proclaim this treatment will no longer be tolerated. We will dig in for the long haul until the State releases them to go home... alive!

Please give generously to their defense fund. No one is giving up to save their lives; thank you all for your support. The MWRN Koh Tao case accused fair trial defense fund is where donations are made.

Perhaps they might think it bad luck to buy bedding. As it is acceptance they might be there for a while. Wish they could be bailed.

I can see saw and Wei really need 1 piece of good evidence to show their innocence. 1 picture that shows them going back to their room. 1 person that saw them go back. I just don't believe there is nothing. There must be 1 something.

[catsanddogs]

When interviewed on Friday, Col Chaisak said police had initially targeted the more than 4,000 migrant workers in the area, but narrowed their search down to males who are at least 174cm tall and with a shoe size of 40, based on a footprint found on the popular tourist beach where the bodies were discovered.

(from a newspaper not allowed to mention)

174cm = a whopping 5ft 7/2 inches. ???

[catsanddogs]

Again, from an unmentionable newspaper:

Pol Col Chaisak Uaekrissadathikarn, deputy chief of the Office of Police Forensic Science Region 8, said DNAsamples had been collected from more than 200 suspects on the island, including the brothers.

“All we did is cut a piece of hair, clip a fingernail and take a saliva swab from each of the suspects,” he said of the mobile DNA sampling unit which has been set up on Koh Tao. “Then we sent everything to Bangkok [for testing].”

I guess that's when any relabelling would have happened (if it did). Can't get too many people in a mobile unit I wouldn't have thought. That would make it nice and cosy and private.