Koh Tao murders: NGO appeals for funds to ensure justice

[webfact]

KOH TAO MURDERS
NGO appeals for funds to ensure justice
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The Migrant Worker Rights Network (MWRN) is appealing to the public for funds to ensure legal assistance gets to Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo, the two workers from Myanmar standing trial on the charge of murdering two British backpackers on Surat Thani province's Koh Tao last September.

The non-governmental organisation has launched www.indiegogo.com/projects/Justice-Koh-Tao-Murder-Case for donations and has submitted a petition to Thai authorities including the Justice Ministry for protection of the migrant workers' rights.

The MWRN claimed that its own investigation into the alleged attack found that the two men's rights to justice had been violated, so it would provide support for the two, who have been held at Samui Prison since October.

The Samui Provincial Court this month ordered public prosecutors to submit key evidence including DNA samples to the Central Institute of Forensic Science for verification, in response to a motion from defence lawyers.

After the brutal homicides that hit headlines worldwide, the pair were arrested last October. They soon admitted to the crimes but later claimed they had been tortured into confessing.

The first of the 18 hearings set for this case is scheduled for July 8. Representatives from the British Embassy and relatives of the victims will likely observe it.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/NGO-appeals-for-funds-to-ensure-justice-30259578.html


-- The Nation 2015-05-08

[biplanebluey]

The first hearing is scheduled for july 8th------------ unless somebody needs more time?????????????????

[JOC]

Sad state of affairs when NGO's need to beg money to ensure some kind of justice for the two scapegoats!!

The two guys have now been locked in a prison cell for more than 7 months, and the real culprits are enjoying their freedom protected by their connections.

A true disgrace and travesty of justice!!

[Sviss Geez]

The British Embassy officials would do better to stay in the Embassy and help answer the under-manned phones to people who need their assistance.

[catweazle]

1st hearing for such a high profile case after almost 10 months? In my opinion this clearly shows they are playing for time so that worldwide interest in the case fades. Would make it easier to hang 2 patsies.

[chainarong]

Not a good look when you have to beg to get money to fight a case that as far as the RTP would consider an open and shut case, mind that's their opinion , on past experience they could be so far off the mark that they wouldn't have a clue who committed the murders and personally when a senior officer declares that the DNA isn't Asian I would have to say that once again the RPT couldn't solve the case of a missing shit house roll, the Burmese boys need the best legal representation they can muster because one thing is for sure the RPT cannot afford egg on face in front of a international audience, this they don't want, so they will pull out all stops to win.

[AleG]

Not a good look when you have to beg to get money to fight a case that as far as the RTP would consider an open and shut case, mind that's their opinion , on past experience they could be so far off the mark that they wouldn't have a clue who committed the murders and personally when a senior officer declares that the DNA isn't Asian I would have to say that once again the RPT couldn't solve the case of a missing shit house roll, the Burmese boys need the best legal representation they can muster because one thing is for sure the RPT cannot afford egg on face in front of a international audience, this they don't want, so they will pull out all stops to win.

They don't have to beg for money to fight the case because:

"It is important to note that all those working on the defense case (including lawyers, assistants, investigators, prison visitors, translators and campaigners) are doing so pro-bono or free of charge. Fundraising only seeks to cover expenses. The Lawyers Council of Thailand is now also supporting some of the defense team by covering basic expenses for main practicing lawyers."

And:

"The Myanmar government has agreed to provide security and expenses in Thailand for the main defence witnesses of the accused Myanmar migrant workers in the Koh Tao murder case, said the embassy investigation team."

Normally I would provide links to the quoted text but it is to sites asking for donations, with is against forum rules.

[jacknorman]

They're not scapegoats

[Alwyn]

Not a good look when you have to beg to get money to fight a case that as far as the RTP would consider an open and shut case, mind that's their opinion , on past experience they could be so far off the mark that they wouldn't have a clue who committed the murders and personally when a senior officer declares that the DNA isn't Asian I would have to say that once again the RPT couldn't solve the case of a missing shit house roll, the Burmese boys need the best legal representation they can muster because one thing is for sure the RPT cannot afford egg on face in front of a international audience, this they don't want, so they will pull out all stops to win.

That's interesting, a senior officer declared the DNS was not Asian? How come these kids are still locked up? When did that happen? I've always thought the kids were just scapegoats and a cover up for the piss-poor police work but this is epic information

[HerbalEd]

Instead of KOH TAO MURDERS this headline should say Koh Tao Murder Suspects.

[HerbalEd]

They're not scapegoats

How could either of you possible know one way or the other? You can't.

[AleG]

Not a good look when you have to beg to get money to fight a case that as far as the RTP would consider an open and shut case, mind that's their opinion , on past experience they could be so far off the mark that they wouldn't have a clue who committed the murders and personally when a senior officer declares that the DNA isn't Asian I would have to say that once again the RPT couldn't solve the case of a missing shit house roll, the Burmese boys need the best legal representation they can muster because one thing is for sure the RPT cannot afford egg on face in front of a international audience, this they don't want, so they will pull out all stops to win.

That's interesting, a senior officer declared the DNS was not Asian? How come these kids are still locked up? When did that happen? I've always thought the kids were just scapegoats and a cover up for the piss-poor police work but this is epic information

Early in the investigation the police announce that DNA analysis showed that the rapists were Asian, which is exactly the opposite of chainarong's claim.

"He confirmed that two men's DNA that was found on Hannah's body have been analysed and he has confirmed those two samples are from two Asian men."

[berybert]

Not a good look when you have to beg to get money to fight a case that as far as the RTP would consider an open and shut case, mind that's their opinion , on past experience they could be so far off the mark that they wouldn't have a clue who committed the murders and personally when a senior officer declares that the DNA isn't Asian I would have to say that once again the RPT couldn't solve the case of a missing shit house roll, the Burmese boys need the best legal representation they can muster because one thing is for sure the RPT cannot afford egg on face in front of a international audience, this they don't want, so they will pull out all stops to win.

They don't have to beg for money to fight the case because:

"It is important to note that all those working on the defense case (including lawyers, assistants, investigators, prison visitors, translators and campaigners) are doing so pro-bono or free of charge. Fundraising only seeks to cover expenses. The Lawyers Council of Thailand is now also supporting some of the defense team by covering basic expenses for main practicing lawyers."

And:

"The Myanmar government has agreed to provide security and expenses in Thailand for the main defence witnesses of the accused Myanmar migrant workers in the Koh Tao murder case, said the embassy investigation team."

Normally I would provide links to the quoted text but it is to sites asking for donations, with is against forum rules.

Can you explain why people would need security ? Is there are chance someone could say something it is hoped they wont, and end up getting bumped off ?

[Baerboxer]

Sad state of affairs when NGO's need to beg money to ensure some kind of justice for the two scapegoats!!

The two guys have now been locked in a prison cell for more than 7 months, and the real culprits are enjoying their freedom protected by their connections.

A true disgrace and travesty of justice!!

And you know all this from where? Been polishing the crystal ball?

The trial hasn't commenced, no evidence presented, and you've already made up your mind it's a travesty.

Based on what, the belief you're always right or based on the unreliable ramblings of a discredited FB site?

[berybert]

Sad state of affairs when NGO's need to beg money to ensure some kind of justice for the two scapegoats!!

The two guys have now been locked in a prison cell for more than 7 months, and the real culprits are enjoying their freedom protected by their connections.

A true disgrace and travesty of justice!!

And you know all this from where? Been polishing the crystal ball?

The trial hasn't commenced, no evidence presented, and you've already made up your mind it's a travesty.

Based on what, the belief you're always right or based on the unreliable ramblings of a discredited FB site?

The discredited FB site you talk of has helped the police catch 4 or 5 killers in the last couple of weeks.

[Baerboxer]

Not a good look when you have to beg to get money to fight a case that as far as the RTP would consider an open and shut case, mind that's their opinion , on past experience they could be so far off the mark that they wouldn't have a clue who committed the murders and personally when a senior officer declares that the DNA isn't Asian I would have to say that once again the RPT couldn't solve the case of a missing shit house roll, the Burmese boys need the best legal representation they can muster because one thing is for sure the RPT cannot afford egg on face in front of a international audience, this they don't want, so they will pull out all stops to win.

That's interesting, a senior officer declared the DNS was not Asian? How come these kids are still locked up? When did that happen? I've always thought the kids were just scapegoats and a cover up for the piss-poor police work but this is epic information

I have no idea if they are guilty or innocent. I do know they are illegal immigrants, suspects in a horrific murder and therefore not likely to get bail. (Even though the Thai justice system usually grants bail for just about anything).

They are also men, not kids, lads, teenagers, youths or any other noun that might solicit sympathy.

We all know the Thai justice system is subject to vagaries and that the police investigations were appallingly carried out especially with all sorts saying all sorts to the media. But, the suspects are grown men.

[Baerboxer]

Sad state of affairs when NGO's need to beg money to ensure some kind of justice for the two scapegoats!!

The two guys have now been locked in a prison cell for more than 7 months, and the real culprits are enjoying their freedom protected by their connections.

A true disgrace and travesty of justice!!

And you know all this from where? Been polishing the crystal ball?

The trial hasn't commenced, no evidence presented, and you've already made up your mind it's a travesty.

Based on what, the belief you're always right or based on the unreliable ramblings of a discredited FB site?

The discredited FB site you talk of has helped the police catch 4 or 5 killers in the last couple of weeks.

And you got that from where?

[berybert]

Sad state of affairs when NGO's need to beg money to ensure some kind of justice for the two scapegoats!!

The two guys have now been locked in a prison cell for more than 7 months, and the real culprits are enjoying their freedom protected by their connections.

A true disgrace and travesty of justice!!

And you know all this from where? Been polishing the crystal ball?

The trial hasn't commenced, no evidence presented, and you've already made up your mind it's a travesty.

Based on what, the belief you're always right or based on the unreliable ramblings of a discredited FB site?

The discredited FB site you talk of has helped the police catch 4 or 5 killers in the last couple of weeks.

And you got that from where?

Here's one of them, Cant be bothered to search back for the others.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/823386-bangkok-hit-and-run-driver-charged-released-from-police-custody/

[jdinasia]

1st hearing for such a high profile case after almost 10 months? In my opinion this clearly shows they are playing for time so that worldwide interest in the case fades. Would make it easier to hang 2 patsies.

When the hearing was moved to December 26th last year, didn't you claim that was so they could try, convict, and execute the 2 Burmese defendants before the scheduled report from the UK inquest?

[berybert]

1st hearing for such a high profile case after almost 10 months? In my opinion this clearly shows they are playing for time so that worldwide interest in the case fades. Would make it easier to hang 2 patsies.

When the hearing was moved to December 26th last year, didn't you claim that was so they could try, convict, and execute the 2 Burmese defendants before the scheduled report from the UK inquest?

Nothing seems to have changed there then, does it ?

[bruceybonus]

Sad state of affairs when NGO's need to beg money to ensure some kind of justice for the two scapegoats!!

The two guys have now been locked in a prison cell for more than 7 months, and the real culprits are enjoying their freedom protected by their connections.

A true disgrace and travesty of justice!!

And you know all this from where? Been polishing the crystal ball?

The trial hasn't commenced, no evidence presented, and you've already made up your mind it's a travesty.

Based on what, the belief you're always right or based on the unreliable ramblings of a discredited FB site?

The discredited FB site you talk of has helped the police catch 4 or 5 killers in the last couple of weeks.

And you got that from where?

That's true, one where a policeman was attacked, one where an old woman was beaten with a stone, one where a guy in a BMW beat up a drunk old guy at songkran, one where a guy killed a cyclist and yesterday a guy on a motorbike who beat to death an old man who flashed his lights at him. He gets a lot of stuff solved by getting photos/footage into the public domain! Obviously he couldn't get this solved as the powers that be are protecting certain people. FACT

[jdinasia]

1st hearing for such a high profile case after almost 10 months? In my opinion this clearly shows they are playing for time so that worldwide interest in the case fades. Would make it easier to hang 2 patsies.

When the hearing was moved to December 26th last year, didn't you claim that was so they could try, convict, and execute the 2 Burmese defendants before the scheduled report from the UK inquest?

Nothing seems to have changed there then, does it ?

Not in the minds of the conspiracy theorists.

However, the first pre-trial hearing came and went, nobody was tried, convicted and executed.

First it was too fast and thus a conspiracy ; now it is too slow and thus...... Yet again, a conspiracy.

[jdinasia]

Sad state of affairs when NGO's need to beg money to ensure some kind of justice for the two scapegoats!!

The two guys have now been locked in a prison cell for more than 7 months, and the real culprits are enjoying their freedom protected by their connections.

A true disgrace and travesty of justice!!

And you know all this from where? Been polishing the crystal ball?

The trial hasn't commenced, no evidence presented, and you've already made up your mind it's a travesty.

Based on what, the belief you're always right or based on the unreliable ramblings of a discredited FB site?

The discredited FB site you talk of has helped the police catch 4 or 5 killers in the last couple of weeks.

And you got that from where?

That's true, one where a policeman was attacked, one where an old woman was beaten with a stone, one where a guy in a BMW beat up a drunk old guy at songkran, one where a guy killed a cyclist and yesterday a guy on a motorbike who beat to death an old man who flashed his lights at him. He gets a lot of stuff solved by getting photos/footage into the public domain! Obviously he couldn't get this solved as the powers that be are protecting certain people. FACT

None of your claims are fact. FACT

[mcm991]

Sad state of affairs when NGO's need to beg money to ensure some kind of justice for the two scapegoats!!

The two guys have now been locked in a prison cell for more than 7 months, and the real culprits are enjoying their freedom protected by their connections.

A true disgrace and travesty of justice!!

And you know all this from where? Been polishing the crystal ball?

The trial hasn't commenced, no evidence presented, and you've already made up your mind it's a travesty.

Based on what, the belief you're always right or based on the unreliable ramblings of a discredited FB site?

The discredited FB site you talk of has helped the police catch 4 or 5 killers in the last couple of weeks.

And you got that from where?

That's true, one where a policeman was attacked, one where an old woman was beaten with a stone, one where a guy in a BMW beat up a drunk old guy at songkran, one where a guy killed a cyclist and yesterday a guy on a motorbike who beat to death an old man who flashed his lights at him. He gets a lot of stuff solved by getting photos/footage into the public domain! Obviously he couldn't get this solved as the powers that be are protecting certain people. FACT

None of your claims are fact. FACT

C'mon JD ... lighten up.

Do you have the sentence: "None of your claims are fact" copied to your clipbard and just spend the day pasting it into forums?

It is possible you know that one of your 'conspiracy' buddies have actually come up with some truth or facts at some point over the last 8 months.

[Bulldozer Dawn]

Instead of KOH TAO MURDERS this headline should say Koh Tao Murder Suspects.

No, sorry, the headline should read:

NGO appeals for funds to attempt to obtain justice

All the money in the world won't ensure that these lads get a fair trial.

[mcm991]

Instead of KOH TAO MURDERS this headline should say Koh Tao Murder Suspects.

No, sorry, the headline should read:

NGO appeals for funds to attempt to obtain justice

All the money in the world won't ensure that these lads get a fair trial.

Sorry Dozer but I would definately argue that last point ........

[sweatalot]

Not a good look when you have to beg to get money to fight a case that as far as the RTP would consider an open and shut case, mind that's their opinion , on past experience they could be so far off the mark that they wouldn't have a clue who committed the murders and personally when a senior officer declares that the DNA isn't Asian I would have to say that once again the RPT couldn't solve the case of a missing shit house roll, the Burmese boys need the best legal representation they can muster because one thing is for sure the RPT cannot afford egg on face in front of a international audience, this they don't want, so they will pull out all stops to win.

When they lean too far out of the window there is a good chance they will fall - very very deep

Let's hope so, unless they can proof for everybody clearly to see that they are right

- but who believes they can do this?

[Baerboxer]

That's true, one where a policeman was attacked, one where an old woman was beaten with a stone, one where a guy in a BMW beat up a drunk old guy at songkran, one where a guy killed a cyclist and yesterday a guy on a motorbike who beat to death an old man who flashed his lights at him. He gets a lot of stuff solved by getting photos/footage into the public domain! Obviously he couldn't get this solved as the powers that be are protecting certain people. FACT

Facts (read the forum rules on the use of capitals) are things which are proven.

Can you prove the accusation you just made?

He doesn't get anything solved. He puts any videos on his FB page. Some are useful others not. He is a channel for information no more no less. He certainly posted a lot of unverifiable and speculative information about these murders at the time which simply fueled all the conspiracy theorists, some of whom "know" all what really happened, well in their minds they do.

[jdinasia]

Sad state of affairs when NGO's need to beg money to ensure some kind of justice for the two scapegoats!!

The two guys have now been locked in a prison cell for more than 7 months, and the real culprits are enjoying their freedom protected by their connections.

A true disgrace and travesty of justice!!

And you know all this from where? Been polishing the crystal ball?

The trial hasn't commenced, no evidence presented, and you've already made up your mind it's a travesty.

Based on what, the belief you're always right or based on the unreliable ramblings of a discredited FB site?

The discredited FB site you talk of has helped the police catch 4 or 5 killers in the last couple of weeks.

And you got that from where?

That's true, one where a policeman was attacked, one where an old woman was beaten with a stone, one where a guy in a BMW beat up a drunk old guy at songkran, one where a guy killed a cyclist and yesterday a guy on a motorbike who beat to death an old man who flashed his lights at him. He gets a lot of stuff solved by getting photos/footage into the public domain! Obviously he couldn't get this solved as the powers that be are protecting certain people. FACT

None of your claims are fact. FACT

C'mon JD ... lighten up.

Do you have the sentence: "None of your claims are fact" copied to your clipbard and just spend the day pasting it into forums?

It is possible you know that one of your 'conspiracy' buddies have actually come up with some truth or facts at some point over the last 8 months.

Hasn't happened yet.... But hey... Anything is possible.

[berybert]

1st hearing for such a high profile case after almost 10 months? In my opinion this clearly shows they are playing for time so that worldwide interest in the case fades. Would make it easier to hang 2 patsies.

When the hearing was moved to December 26th last year, didn't you claim that was so they could try, convict, and execute the 2 Burmese defendants before the scheduled report from the UK inquest?

Nothing seems to have changed there then, does it ?

Not in the minds of the conspiracy theorists.

However, the first pre-trial hearing came and went, nobody was tried, convicted and executed.

First it was too fast and thus a conspiracy ; now it is too slow and thus...... Yet again, a conspiracy.

You have far more knowledge about trials ect than I do, but is it possible to be tried, convicted and executed at a pre-trial hearing ?