Koh Tao: Trial opens for 2 accused of killing British tourists

[JohnThailandJohn]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scapegoating

suggest you check out ~

The interesting point here being that I doubt you read the link or at least saw that it applies to what the conspiracy theorists are doing here and that it also includes the very appropriate and relevant description, once again, of what Projection is.

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Cover-up in paradise

EXCLUSIVE: Fears there won’t be justice in Thai beach murders trial

By JONATHAN SAMUELS, Koh Samui, Thailand

THE families of two Brits murdered on a paradise beach in Thailand may never see justice — amid fears of a police cover-up.

The killings of backpackers Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, last September cast a grim shadow over the holiday hotspot.

The suspicion of a cover-up is the latest twist in the trial of two Burmese migrants over the killings.

The case against Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo, both 22, has been riddled with controversy.

Rumours of a set-up by Thai authorities, desperate to preserve the country’s “paradise” image for tourists, are rife.

And now lawyers for the accused say the lack of re-testable DNA samples is proof of a disastrous police investigation, and possibly even a cover-up.

Brits who hoped for the sort of transparent, fair trial they would expect at home look increasingly like they might be disappointed.

The police say they have a watertight case and DNA links the defendants to the crime scene.

But critics, who include a group of British expats, reckon the Burmese men are scapegoats.

The trial, which adjourned on Friday after just three days, did nothing to dispel those fears.

Events at the small courtroom, on the island of Koh Samui, 6,000 miles from the UK, exposed the darker side of Thailand.

Journalists have been told they can’t write notes in court — something not unheard of but rare in Thailand — and the local press is conspicuous by its absence. Then there is the intimidation.

Thickset, menacing-looking Thai men hang around the court, glaring at witnesses and western journalists. We are told some are police officers in plain clothes.

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/6542764/Is-Thai-beach-murders-trial-a-cover-up.html

The Sun - 2015-07-14

[metisdead]

Posts containing links to Drummond's site have been removed. Please understand Thai Visa is not employed as a tool to obtain information for Andrew Drummond nor do we use material from his web site.

Other nonsense posts and replies have been removed.

[smedly]

Suggest you checkout https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_projection

I have no ties to Koh Tao. I have no ties to anyone in this case and could care less what nationality those responsible for the crime are just as I could care less the nationality of the victims. I don't know the victim or the accused families but feel for them both ... as much as I do other strangers I read about in the news. This is to say I have absolutely no emotional or other investment in this case except that it is a newsworthy story. I also find it highly fascinating the way many have used this story to benefit their own psychological needs. These people also have no ties to this event but have taken this to levels of great emotional importance. So much so, that they have lost sight of reality and cannot even step back to see just how ridiculous some of what they say is.

This story has been used by people from those who simply feel lonely and unimportant and want to feel they are special people in the know as well as being part of a group to those who simply have an ax to grind with Thailand and authorities. What appears to be the most common thread is low self-esteem. I don't mean this as a negative comment as we all suffer such periods and have insecurities but using this case as a way to sooth these feelings is not a positive step as can be seen clearly by those who just keep doubling down with nonsense offered as some proof of innocence. It has become an addiction for those wanting to not properly deal with other personal issues.

People are simply being used and manipulated be it by the press, social media or other groups who have a vested interest in drumming up viewers or making a political statement. The reality and facts of this case are meaningless to those who have made such a distorted and unhealthy emotional connection to this case ... all that is important is that they can continue to come up with, or rehash old, baseless and implausible theories.

This case has never been about justice, the accused, guilty or the victims to many and to others it has now also taken a back seat to the theorists being the main spectacle.

Having read the above post several times I have concluded the only person I have seen posting here with questionable psychological insecurities addictions and possible mental issues is actually you my friend - you seem to be entrenched with those taking part in this discussion than the topic itself - your theory above (which makes you a theorist) is quite scary, most here are able to rise above and look at this case and all its elements with some rational.

The interesting thing about the internet - social media and news sites is the very broad accurately logged events and the ability to bring them all together from many sources, granted the skill is being able to work out which are the facts and the accurate events as opposed to the theories, once done it provides a pretty decent picture of what has taken place, there are people posting on this forum that have been able to research and dig up some pretty good accurate information, others have had the ability to string some of it together and others have been able to analyse it and come to some pretty reasonable conclusions - some of us agree or disagree it matters not, the important thing is that it is out there, ultimately it is a fascinating and powerful environment which does allow serious scrutiny and hold people to account for their actions and lose tongues - you can't take it back once it's on the net, it puts a lot of pressure on those that are trying to lie deceive and deflect because everything they say and do will be carefully logged and scrutinised by thousands of people

[smedly]

So.. whats the truth ... Sean M seems to contradict himself more than once and had to 'fix' some of his 'heat of the moment' social media comments on more than one occasion. I'm totally convinced he has all the answers

Sean also said he was among a group of people playing guitar on the beach near the scene.

The group was also suspected by the police as they were near the scene.

But Montriwat discredited the Britons claim saying in fact on the night of the murder an employee of a spa has told him she helped to wash and clean blood from the face and body of Mr Sean who is a friend of the murdered David Miller.

He said he asked Mr Sean about the blood on his face and body and insisted on asking where he was that night.

Mr Sean claimed he did not go out anywhere but slept in the room, Montriwat said.

This is very suspicious, Montriwat told reporters while insisting in his innocence.

There was also a Bristolian Chris Cooper from a Koh Tao dive school who came out and said he was drinking with Sean Mcanna that night. He then deleted his post from Facebook and had CSI remove the copy's as well. David CSI will verify this

http://news.sky.com/story/1339247/thai-murders-hannah-dna-matches-asian-men

McAnna said he had arranged to meet up with David that night but he didn't make it because he was sleeping off a hangover. McAnna's no wallflower. He's not got the face, physique or attitude to fade into the background from what I've seen in the press and on social media. If he was out that night drinking on Koh Tao in public there will be witnesses. Maybe he was in one of his strange costumes and donning a wig as per some of the photos and was unrecognisable. Maybe he is one of the British witnesses for the defence. Who knows?

you won't find him as a witness. I already advised u there was one witness but he deleted his comments. In fact the whole island has been wiped clean of witness testimony and instead we have had to endure taxi men and gardener's report being order to lie by the police.

Mcanna done a runner that night IMHO when it all kicked of and he suffered his injuries. Koh Tao was his second home and after a few days he couldn't help himself and blabbed. He upset the wrong people and only by luck really he got away.

I don't think for one minute he was paid off. 100 baht for a bullet or a pile of cash to silence him. You don't know Thailand I suggest.

Anyway we will never know I suspect. The main thing is if the B2 are innocent then they get released and i am waiting the revelations due in September to be able to rub some TV members face right in it. I will start with JTJ perhaps.

I don't know how accurate the above posts are and the quotes but I have always said that Sean McKenna is very strongly involved in this case, he either knows what happened but refuses to say - was present and doesn't want to implicate himself in the murders or was actively involved and took part.

Never mind anything else - what is blindingly obvious to me is the fact that this guy left the Island in a hurry - why would he do that having made it his home, Sean McKenna needs to take a long hard look at himself and come clean, I invite him to put a picture of Hannah's battered head as a wallpaper on his phone and look at it every day that he keeps his coward mouth shut

If I was one of the parents of Hannah I'd be hunting him down to get (answers) or pay someone to do same if they are not able, I would leave no stone unturned until I was staring Mr McKenna in the eye

[minikev]

Do not know how reliable this is but an article in the BP on the 24th October 2014, indicates that two weeks after the murders, three people were arrested, the two who have since been charged and a friend, who was treated by Police as an eye witness. To what I do not know, as it does not stipulate but maybe this is what GB was referring to. It appears that his name I Maung. If I can locate it, why can't you? Maybe you should try a little harder, remember, seek and ye shall find.

Is this the eye witness that allegedly was having a drink with the defendants before going home to bed and not actually witnessing anything?

Can't help you with that the media report wasn't that detailed. It did list his name and said he was a friend, that's all I can say, other than to reiterate I cannot vouch for the veracity of the report.

if it was Muang (sp?) then according to previous reports it didn't sound like he witnessed anything of much significance to the case as he went home. I am open to correction though

Maung Maung I hope I spelt it correctly was seen in the cctv with them and was the person that bought the L& M cigarettes he is reported to have drank with them for a while and then left to stay in his girlfriends room. On return to his room early the next morning which he shared with the B2 he found them asleep in their bed. No signs of blood or panic etc.

He is obviously a witness to facts about where they were sat whilst drinking and how long before they were sound asleep in their beds. It seems strange that there is cctv of them all arriving together but none of Maung Maung leaving alone, nevertheless he was released as a non suspect.

[JLCrab]

I'm waiting to hear the testimony of the squid fisherman who was just offshore before dawn and saw the whole thing.

[Si Thea01]

The Sun article inked above was a reprint of copy written by Jonathan Samuels of SKY News:

By JONATHAN SAMUELS, Koh Samui, Thailand

— Jonathan Samuels is a correspondent for Sky News

From Mr. Samuels WikiPedia bio:

As Sky News Chief Correspondent, Samuels has covered the main domestic and international stories. In the last few years he has reported from Iraq, covered the crisis in Zimbabwe, broadcast from the Falkland Islands, was in the United States for the recent election and covered the conflicts between Israel and Gaza, and Israel and Lebanon.

So what does this prove? That he's been around. He might be talented and well travelled but does it mean that whatever he says is gospel?

Lord Give me Strength!!!!!

Why? Is it because it does not follow the consensus that you and others have adopted? So unless one follows you and your kind's rationale they present a stupid behaviour and are annoying to you. If that is you only problem in life, than be thankful. A word of advise, sit back and read what you are on about then tell me how you come across to others. Not your followers, others who sit back and make no comment.

[minikev]

another thing that I can't understand is why clothing of the B2 was not examined for blood spatter, there is CCTV showing what they were wearing and yet nothing about forensic examination of clothes or even that the clothes were found in the residence, yes they could have changed shirts shorts shoes etc at some point in the late evening after work but I doubt it, just another unanswered observation

A good point as if they were shown they would be damning evidence. I suppose it is reasonable to say from the time of the murders to being placed in custody that they had time to destroy them. The defence would be very much stronger should they be able to produce those clothes with no blood stains.

[jaidam]

I'm waiting to hear the testimony of the squid fisherman who was just offshore before dawn and saw the whole thing.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Koh-Tao-police-fail-another-day-30243890.html

"Some fishermen fishing off Kanom district in Nakhon Si Thammarat province alerted police that they found a Thai man on a speedboat named "Little Duck" speeding south from Koh Pha Ngan. The man stopped by and asked for directions to Naiprao Island in the district. But he changed direction to Pakpanang district in the same province after his boat encountered a marine police boat on Naiprao beach."

This small boat fleeing was seen a few hours after the murders. Do many Burmese own private speedboats on the islands?

[boomerangutang]

At the start of last weekend, Chief of police stated adamantly that no DNA samples were lost (though he conveniently disregarded the mystery blonde hair held by Hannah). So what is it? One of his lieutenants said a lot of it is either lost or 'used up', and the top banana says it's all there. Press reports indicate the DNA trail is totally botched. Where's Ms Porntip? Oh sorry, almost forgot - even if she was present, she wouldn't be allowed to look at evidence. She's too good at her job, so top brass don't want her looking at what she's trained to look at.

Personally, I hope there is some DNA evidence remaining, because I'm hoping the original two prime suspects will get indicted, along with some of their tough-guy buddies, one of whom sports a big shark's tooth ring which could be the weapon which stabbed David (and Sean's arm also?). I admit I'm naive, in thinking there's a chance in heck that some of those tough guys connected to the Headman (some of whom were posing, grinnin, with hoes after the murder), ...will ever be indicted. Thai officialdom has too much invested, over the past 10 months, in nailing the Burmese scapegoats. There's no way the PM and his buddies will change course, and do the right thing.

[boomerangutang]

P.S. On the one-in-a-million chance that the more likely perps of the crime are indicted, here's a suggestion to top brass (ok, I know Thai officials hate to take suggestions from uppity farang, but here goes.....) NO BAIL. Not even 1 million baht per head. If any bail is allowed, they will be gonzoed over the horizon.

Another suggestion to the PM: confiscate the chief investigator's passport, along with all top brass working with him. He will likely do a runner also, when the buzzards come home to roost (if/when RTP does an investigation into the frame-up). Mark my words. It's happened before with top Thai officials in similar scenarios.

[boomerangutang]

I'm waiting to hear the testimony of the squid fisherman who was just offshore before dawn and saw the whole thing.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Koh-Tao-police-fail-another-day-30243890.html

"Some fishermen fishing off Kanom district in Nakhon Si Thammarat province alerted police that they found a Thai man on a speedboat named "Little Duck" speeding south from Koh Pha Ngan. The man stopped by and asked for directions to Naiprao Island in the district. But he changed direction to Pakpanang district in the same province after his boat encountered a marine police boat on Naiprao beach."

This small boat fleeing was seen a few hours after the murders. Do many Burmese own private speedboats on the islands?

Yet another of the scores of possible clues that Thai investigators either......

>>> didn't think how it could relate to the investigation,

>>> heard about, but disregarded as unimportant,

>>> investigated a bit, found it implicated the people they're supposed to shield, so dropped it,

>>> investigated a bit, didn't ask the right questions, got bored and sweaty, and went off looking for an energy drink,

>>> didn't follow-up,

>>> denied, because it didn't implicate the scapegoats,

>>> claimed they didn't hear about.

Oh, cops did find a fast-boat driver who had slept in a cave in the forest (that's an odd place to sleep) on the night after the crime. When cops tried to question him, they determined he was too drugged-out to speak. So, did cops permanently leave him alone after that? If local mechanics did their jobs as well as Thai cops, the motors they work on would be packed with dirt & sand, and they'd lose the starter key.

[smedly]

I'm waiting to hear the testimony of the squid fisherman who was just offshore before dawn and saw the whole thing.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Koh-Tao-police-fail-another-day-30243890.html

"Some fishermen fishing off Kanom district in Nakhon Si Thammarat province alerted police that they found a Thai man on a speedboat named "Little Duck" speeding south from Koh Pha Ngan. The man stopped by and asked for directions to Naiprao Island in the district. But he changed direction to Pakpanang district in the same province after his boat encountered a marine police boat on Naiprao beach."

This small boat fleeing was seen a few hours after the murders. Do many Burmese own private speedboats on the islands?

Yet another of the scores of possible clues that Thai investigators either......

>>> didn't think how it could relate to the investigation,

>>> heard about, but disregarded as unimportant,

>>> investigated a bit, found it implicated the people they're supposed to shield, so dropped it,

>>> investigated a bit, didn't ask the right questions, got bored and sweaty, and went off looking for an energy drink,

>>> didn't follow-up,

>>> denied, because it didn't implicate the scapegoats,

>>> claimed they didn't hear about.

Oh, cops did find a fast-boat driver who had slept in a cave in the forest (that's an odd place to sleep) on the night after the crime. When cops tried to question him, they determined he was too drugged-out to speak. So, did cops permanently leave him alone after that? If local mechanics did their jobs as well as Thai cops, the motors they work on would be packed with dirt & sand, and they'd lose the starter key.

The above in red seems to pretty much describe my own thoughts on how this investigation progressed and as more and more significant data and news reports are accumulated and put on show here or elsewhere the more convinced I become to the point of anger

[Darkknight666]

Sean knows what happened. Read between the lines of his Facebook posts "I know you tried to stop it" and "you're the most honorable man I've ever met". David came across this savagery as did Sean.... David fought and paid with his life, Sean was warned away and ran. Sean is a coward and he is in part responsible. Find the little weasel and lets get to the bottom of this.

[Si Thea01]

rykbanlor

quote> "I was taking part in a forum discussion. As far as I can see throughout this thread people are commenting and overlapping and whatnot. I just made a comment, I am sure JL Crab can answer for himself as I have seen already. You're a little condescending sir.< end quote

Oh tut, tut, so was I and it was not addressed to you but you took it upon yourself to answer on behalf of another. Tell me where I am being condescending, do you even know what it means? You have seen a response from JLC, on what forum, not this one? I have seen one post from him and it relates to a shrimp fisherman seeing the incident occur. Obviously, you must be seeing things or my eyesight has failed me. Or is this another fabrication. Please tell me that I'm wrong.

It's a shame that you still condone the bad habits that you and others display, jumping in and answering something that was never directed to you. So please, when a poster asks something of another, don't be such a busybody and feel that you have the need to respond or is this now known as the Rykbanlor Forum and you have the given right to do so regardless of other's poster's ability to respond.

[smedly]

Sean knows what happened. Read between the lines of his Facebook posts "I know you tried to stop it" and "you're the most honorable man I've ever met". David came across this savagery as did Sean.... David fought and paid with his life, Sean was warned away and ran. Sean is a coward and he is in part responsible. Find the little weasel and lets get to the bottom of this.

it's interesting that David probably died first as he fought with those who were in the process of the rape, once David suffered a fatal deadly attack then Hannah's fate was also sealed, there is no way they would have left a witness to Davids murder - she may have been left alive and abused but not murdered if David hadn't intervened

[DM07]

Sean knows what happened. Read between the lines of his Facebook posts "I know you tried to stop it" and "you're the most honorable man I've ever met". David came across this savagery as did Sean.... David fought and paid with his life, Sean was warned away and ran. Sean is a coward and he is in part responsible. Find the little weasel and lets get to the bottom of this.

it's interesting that David probably died first as he fought with those who were in the process of the rape, once David suffered a fatal deadly attack then Hannah's fate was also sealed, there is no way they would have left a witness to Davids murder - she may have been left alive and abused but not murdered if David hadn't intervened

What exactly are you trying to say here?

[sammygood]

if no evidence, what are they doing in jail ?

except being scapegoats?

[smedly]

Sean knows what happened. Read between the lines of his Facebook posts "I know you tried to stop it" and "you're the most honorable man I've ever met". David came across this savagery as did Sean.... David fought and paid with his life, Sean was warned away and ran. Sean is a coward and he is in part responsible. Find the little weasel and lets get to the bottom of this.

it's interesting that David probably died first as he fought with those who were in the process of the rape, once David suffered a fatal deadly attack then Hannah's fate was also sealed, there is no way they would have left a witness to Davids murder - she may have been left alive and abused but not murdered if David hadn't intervened

What exactly are you trying to say here?

there have been many documented rapes of young western girls in Thailand - very few of them end up being murdered

it is thought that David came to Hannahs rescue - which likely means he arrived when a gang of men were in the process of raping her on the beach, when he tried to intervene he was attacked and fatally injured - his murder may not have been intentional, Hannah likely witnessed the attack on David and her fate was sealed, Theory - Sean McKenna was there also but took no active roll in the rape or the two murders and got away with his own life by convincing the perps (His Thai mates) that he would keep his mouth shut - or maybe he did take part who knows, but he left very very quickly and suddenly the next day...........why ?

[thailandchilli]

rykbanlor

quote> "I was taking part in a forum discussion. As far as I can see throughout this thread people are commenting and overlapping and whatnot. I just made a comment, I am sure JL Crab can answer for himself as I have seen already. You're a little condescending sir.< end quote

Oh tut, tut, so was I and it was not addressed to you but you took it upon yourself to answer on behalf of another. Tell me where I am being condescending, do you even know what it means? You have seen a response from JLC, on what forum, not this one? I have seen one post from him and it relates to a shrimp fisherman seeing the incident occur. Obviously, you must be seeing things or my eyesight has failed me. Or is this another fabrication. Please tell me that I'm wrong.

It's a shame that you still condone the bad habits that you and others display, jumping in and answering something that was never directed to you. So please, when a poster asks something of another, don't be such a busybody and feel that you have the need to respond or is this now known as the Rykbanlor Forum and you have the given right to do so regardless of other's poster's ability to respond.

Chill "Si Thea01" or are you making the rules now, its ok to jump into somebodies else's thread and respond if you feel you have something to add, I've seen you do it too! Its called joining in, we are all allowed to do that have you not noticed.

[Rykbanlor]

rykbanlor

quote> "I was taking part in a forum discussion. As far as I can see throughout this thread people are commenting and overlapping and whatnot. I just made a comment, I am sure JL Crab can answer for himself as I have seen already. You're a little condescending sir.< end quote

Oh tut, tut, so was I and it was not addressed to you but you took it upon yourself to answer on behalf of another. Tell me where I am being condescending, do you even know what it means? You have seen a response from JLC, on what forum, not this one? I have seen one post from him and it relates to a shrimp fisherman seeing the incident occur. Obviously, you must be seeing things or my eyesight has failed me. Or is this another fabrication. Please tell me that I'm wrong.

It's a shame that you still condone the bad habits that you and others display, jumping in and answering something that was never directed to you. So please, when a poster asks something of another, don't be such a busybody and feel that you have the need to respond or is this now known as the Rykbanlor Forum and you have the given right to do so regardless of other's poster's ability to respond.

Umm, you're doing it again (asking someone if they even know what condescending means is a pretty condescending comeback ). I think there's only one of us who should worry about how their own posts appear to other people.

Sidenote - JLC has posted many times on various KT threads, and various other threads and his posts are generally impartial and informative.

However thanks for taking the time to berate me on behalf of the forum, your concern will be noted and if anyone else is upset by my posts please feel free to weigh in, and I'll re-assess my forum etiquette.

Regards.

[godden]

What numty ever thought of putting the two words Thailand and justice in the same sentence.

[boomerangutang]

Sean knows what happened. Read between the lines of his Facebook posts "I know you tried to stop it" and "you're the most honorable man I've ever met". David came across this savagery as did Sean.... David fought and paid with his life, Sean was warned away and ran. Sean is a coward and he is in part responsible. Find the little weasel and lets get to the bottom of this.

Sean probably does know what happened, but it may not be from first hand observations. He fancies himself as a poet/songwriter, so writing things like (in reference to his friend David) "I know you tried to stop it" doesn't mean he was there to see what happened. From what I've gathered, I picture two possible scenarios involving Sean. The first, to me, is more plausible than the second:

>>> he showed up on the beach around when the crime wrapped up. He didn't see the bodies, but instead was warned off by one of the adrenaline-pumped perps leaving, who stabbed Sean with is weapon-ring - to warn him off the scene.

>>> he was in bed sleeping. That's what he himself said.

However, Sean also claims he didn't know for sure that David was dead until a day or two after the crime (that sounds unbelievable!).

Even so, it's very likely he knows key things pertinent to the investigation, even if some of them are hearsay.

Regardless, Sean should speak up. He's probably been called as a witness for the defense, but highly unlikely he's show up. It's also possible that Brit officials have questioned him and/or required him to show up at a consulate in Italy to make a sworn statement.

He remains an enigman cloaked in mystery. He probably also remains spooked about the thought that mafia could find and harm him, even a half world away.

[Wadan]

It is very obvious those two innocent guys charged are innocent. It is also evident that the whole thing is a cover up and a framing . The question is why.

It seems obvious to answer the why question , is what many of you are stating. it is to cover up some big people. To avoid tarnishing the lilly white image of Thailand . to continue the status quo.

The prime minister has recently remarked that he wants to clamp down on fraudulent civil servants. He has stated they will get the death penalty in some cases. lets hope he remembers his words and apply then to all those police involved in the cover up and framing.

these top policemen who were anxious to torture and force these innocent kids into a confession........i wonder how it would feel to give them a taste of their own medicine.

time to put them to the torture . time to put the squeeze on them . time for them to pay.

With all this publicity out , and so many instances pointing out to a botch investigation and coverup, how can these guys continue in the role of upholding and administering justice in the public's eye.

And to think this goes to the very top. SHAME ON YOU THAILAND. Hope all you contributors to this forum , will go on to post good articles on your face book and let your friends abroad know about this sick place. Don't reward this place for its crimes by allowing tourist to come here and fatten the coffers of criminals. DON'T LET THE WIN TWICE!!!!!

[Emster23]

I know many of us see RTP as being hopeless bumblers regarding evidence, lack of, failing to follow leads, etc etc etc. But take bigger picture into account: their job (wink wink) was to take heat off of perps and do a bang up job of making sure no one could ever put Humpty Dumpty back together again. They did a stellar job in this respect. So give credit where credit is due

[saminoz]

Uncle Goldbuggy's "facts" (strong evidence, including their confession, admitting to be near the scene during this crime, and DNA Matching Hannah's, and also an eye witnesses and holding Davids stolen Mobile Phone.) are as credible and uncontestable as the RTP's story, lol

edit: non-relevant nested posts deleted

Uncle Goldbuggy?? !!!!!

More like an RTP version of an "Uncle Tom"!

[BigC]

Lack of Evidence, Local Media Coverage Adds to Mystery of Koh Tao Murder

By Khaosod English

Police bring Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo to Koh Samui court on 9 July 2015.

BANGKOK The first week of the trial of two Burmese men accused of murdering British tourists on a Thai island last year has done little to shed light on a case that has been shrouded in mystery from the start.

Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo, both 22, have been charged with murder, rape, and theft over the deaths of British travelers David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23. The tourists badly beaten bodies were found on Koh Taos Sairee beach in the early morning of 15 September 2014.

The gruesome murder shocked the idyllic resort island and captured the attention of the foreign press, who detailed polices every stumble in a wayward investigation that ended with the arrest of Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo several weeks later.

The suspects initially confessed after being interrogated by police without a professional interpreter or lawyer, but later declared their innocence and said they were tortured. They could face the death penalty if convicted.

Suspicions that the Burmese men were used as scapegoats to wrap up a case that was threatening to harm Thailands tourist industry were compounded last year by reports of locals refusing the speak to journalists, citing fears of powerful families on the 21 km2 island.

Despite hopes that the first round of witness examinations in a court on nearby Koh Samui last week would provide clarity on the murder, questions remain about polices alleged watertight case, and rumors about a suspected cover-up continue to flourish.

'Used up evidence'

In response to the defense teams repeated calls for access to forensic evidence that the prosecution says links Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo to the rape and murder, police revealed in court that swabs taken from semen found in Witheridges body are no longer available because they were used up in the original testing, which was conducted privately.

For police to say they dont have these materials completely undermines the credibility of their investigation, said Andy Hall, a migrants' rights activist from the UK who is assisting the defendants.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1436774626

-- Khaosod English 2015-07-13

Don't people understand that if they let these people go or find the them innocent then the case shall have to re open

Don't people reckon that the best thing to do is to back off

As if they push for the case to re open then.... Wel anything is possible

[stickylies]

SHAME ON YOU THAILAND. Hope all you contributors to this forum , will go on to post good articles on your face book and let your friends abroad know about this sick place. Don't reward this place for its crimes by allowing tourist to come here and fatten the coffers of criminals. DON'T LET THE WIN TWICE!!!!!

I understand your comment and anger but:

- most of us who live/work here experience no substantial problems...

- the same goes for the millions of western tourists whose biggest problem is a mosquito bite, a changover, a 50THB tuktuk scam or diarrhea...

- people have very short memories. how sick this case might be, it will be soon forgotten...

[Tony121]

My wife had a friend visit who works in Koh Tao, she told us that most of the people on the island do think that burmese people did it. apparently they have there own mafia there and there are regular stories of them killing each others in the camp after drinking to much, I still think the scottish guy and the burmese did it.