Koh Tao beach murders: Fund for Hannah Witheridge raises £3,000 so family can attend trial

[george]

Hannah Witheridge, 23, was murdered on the island of Koh Tao last September along with fellow backpacker David Miller, 24

A fund has been set up so the family of a British student murdered on a Thai beach can attend the trial of her alleged killers.

Hannah Witheridge, 23, horrifically lost her life on the island of Koh Tao last September along with fellow backpacker David Miller, 24.

They had met as they travelled around South East Asia on a holiday of a lifetime and were targeted during a walk on the beach.

Burmese migrants Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun, both 21, were arrested two weeks after the semi-naked bodies of the pair were found.

They initially confessed to the crime but later changed their minds and accused Thai police of torturing them.

A murder trial is due to take place on the island in July but Hannah's distraught family from Hembsy, Norfolk face a bill of up to £12,000 to attend.

Wellwishers have now started a Go Fund Me page and raised thousands so five members of her family can make the traumatic trip.

Writing on the page, Hannah's sister Laura, 26, said: "We are very fortunate that a charity have offered to provide us with some financial support.

"However, even with their contribution, we estimate that the costs will likely amount to between £10,000 and £12,000.

"The word has spread that we are desperately trying to raise funds in order to get out to Thailand for the trial and we have been overwhelmed by the incredible response from people wanting to help.

"Many have privately messaged me about hosting bake offs, quiz nights, table top sales and even triathlons.

"We are incredibly grateful for the amazing, selfless, kind offers from those around us- including strangers in some instances.

"As always, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who is able to support us during this impossible time.

"It is the selflessness and kindness of everyone around us that is going some way to restoring our faith in the human race."

More than £3,000 has already been donated to the fund and local businesses have organised a string of fundraising events to help the cause.

-- mirror.co.uk 2015-02-17

[bangrak]

Not a lot, when you'd ask me... Will the 'influential' owners of the (bar and) resort where poor Hannah was staying, maybe offer them to stay for free, in the bungalow she last slept in? No, no, not a bad taste joke of mine, but the kind of thing my local experience makes me expect to happen here...

[robertthebruce]

Such a tragic end to two beautiful young people...

I hope they find the real Murderers.........

[MrTee]

Not a lot, when you'd ask me... Will the 'influential' owners of the (bar and) resort where poor Hannah was staying, maybe offer them to stay for free, in the bungalow she last slept in? No, no, not a bad taste joke of mine, but the kind of thing my local experience makes me expect to happen here...

Was you born stupid or is it something you work on?

[greenchair]

Not a lot, when you'd ask me... Will the 'influential' owners of the (bar and) resort where poor Hannah was staying, maybe offer them to stay for free, in the bungalow she last slept in? No, no, not a bad taste joke of mine, but the kind of thing my local experience makes me expect to happen here...

There will be all sorts pulling them in every direction.

I hope they know nothing is as it seems on the surface in thailand.

[Xircal]

I can't see the point of them attending the trial since it'll be in Thai and they won't understand any of it.

[slipperylobster]

I can't see the point of them attending the trial since it'll be in Thai and they won't understand any of it.

Perhaps they would merely hire a Translator.....

I am not sure they they would be allowed to bring court recordings out, but I am equally sure they could hire an attorney That could translate (transcribe) what was being said and done.

Equally sure, that important points may be lost in translation.

Their presence is probably more about "seeing things through", and might provide some kind of catharsis. Getting involved does seem to bring more international attention to the case.

Worst thing would be just to close their eyes and give up.

[jaidam]

I can't see the point of them attending the trial since it'll be in Thai and they won't understand any of it.

True, but while the families are here there is an excellent chance they will have an altercation with an off duty policeman or other influential local. What happens next to them in that situation would answer any and all questions or doubts they had. Not exactly going to give them closure, but at least an understanding as to the concept of VIP criminals, and there is no better place to see these pond dwellers than the Muu Koh Samui archipelago.

[Somtamnication]

Problem with that is that once the trial starts, it will again be postponed. Trip and funds wasted.

[berybert]

Are they hoping by having this thread running twice they will get twice as much money ? GOGOF.

[Bluespunk]

"They initially confessed to the crime but later changed their minds and accused Thai police of torturing them."

Or later had the chance to tell the truth about what happened to them.

[falangjim]

I can't see the point of them attending the trial since it'll be in Thai and they won't understand any of it.

Ever hear of a translator?

What they won't be able to understand is how despite being here for the trials, the two men on trial are not the killers.

Edited February 17, 2015 by falangjim

[AleG]

I can't see the point of them attending the trial since it'll be in Thai and they won't understand any of it.

From the petition:

"In addition to these costs, we have been advised to hire an interpreter for the entire trial process as the proceedings will be conducted in the Thai language- an interpreter is the only way we can stay connected to the process and know what is going on, rather than having to hear about it in the World's media..."

[loonodingle]

Well I read the page here

http://www.gofundme.com/HannahWitheridge

And I must say I am impressed the family is making a move now.. This can only be good for justice.

[loonodingle]

I can't see the point of them attending the trial since it'll be in Thai and they won't understand any of it.

True, but while the families are here there is an excellent chance they will have an altercation with an off duty policeman or other influential local. What happens next to them in that situation would answer any and all questions or doubts they had. Not exactly going to give them closure, but at least an understanding as to the concept of VIP criminals, and there is no better place to see these pond dwellers than the Muu Koh Samui archipelago.

You know this can only be a good thing.

If they can get a better idea of what is happening and see the flaws in the evidence they will demand answers. None of us know the truth its all supposition.

I for one am on the fence I just want to see verification of the evidence which was denied by the RTP.

Whereas they work with police forces on other offences. The DEA for example. They have just been selective and that must raise the question why. Anyway I added my bit to the fund.

[soundman]

Inflammatory posts removed from view.