Koh Tao: Suspects found guilty of murdering British backpackers

[rws85]

Poor bastards, feel sorry for them. What a joke.

[cheapcanuck]

There is no jury. Only one judge. And as much As I want to think the court is corrupt. It's more likely a piss poor defense. Lawyers for the most part are very unskilled and unwilling to do probono work. Court appointed lawyers are very green and inexperienced. But the good thing is they can appeal.

I believe the Myanmar government paid for the two's defense.

[balo]

It's been headline news all day on Sky News international, Also a short interview with Andy Hall talking about unreliable DNA evidence.

So I think people outside the kingdom can make up their own mind, if they believe it¨s justice or not. .

Edited December 24, 2015 by balo

[lucky11]

To stealthenergiser.

Good on Andy Hall. What were the results of this crucial statement by the defence? The judge was satisfied with the way the forensics was conducted which rather stopped them in their tracks. I'm sick and tired of these petty technical admissions getting in the way of real hard evidence.

[kiwikeith]

If you followed the trial you would say the same...look at the way it was done, the police mistakes, their change of mind, the DNA farce, the evidence brought in a caddie at court, no proper sample,...countless things which will cause the case to close in every other country with a real judicial system

I agree as most will, this is a shame , a blot on Thailand it is actually disgusting.

What a Xmas present for these poor scapegoats, I hope they appeal and get some decent defense.

If Thai authorities want credibility then this is a thousand backward steps to getting any at all.

Is there no shame in hanging these boys (because of a poor trial with poor and farcical evidence) to protect the real killers.

Hopefully the appeal will correct this decission and I hope some pressure from some good help for these poor souls will let some true justice prevail.

However don't hold your breath , I spoke to a young Brittish girl on tour yesterday about it and she knew little of the case, only that 2 Burmese boys were arrested.

The public are soon to forget and this may well be why the Trial was dragged along with a verdict release at Xmas when everyone is busy with family and friends and celebrations.

The main reason for shame here as many have posted is that this case would be thrown from the court in most countries and is farcical.

I don't like to say this but shame on the parents of the 2 Brits murdered as they must know that these 2 are not the killers, now 2 more dead innocent boys will be on their conscience and If they are not found innocent in the appeal then shame too on many others in the Thai system that set up these poor souls

Merry Xmas to Thai justice.

[cheapcanuck]

Now will they get death or life in a Thai jail?

[toybits]

If this verdict is allowed to pass by the UK embassy in Bangkok, their hands will be just as bloody as the real culprits in this crime.

What do you suggest they do?

That is up for them to decide.

[mojorison]

Shame on the regime. Shame on the Thai people. Shame on the establishment. The world is watching Thailand's descent from laughable to disastrous to evil. The revolution draws ever closer. It is not possible in this day and age to follow this course. HRW, UN, every developed and undeveloped country is watching in amazement. Thailand is completely <deleted> up, and there are only a few to blame. Thaksin is not one of them. It is no longer a laughing matter.

[brewsterbudgen]

Now will they get death or life in a Thai jail?

They've been sentenced to death but there will be a lengthy appeal and even if the appeal is unsuccessful executions (which are by lethal injection) are rarely carried out.

[Gweiloman]

After watching the video of the family of one victim, I will agree that

these two innocent looking men likely committed this crime, and deserve their fate. Could you sit through all

of the court time that they did and do any better? That is my question to the rest of this forum's

audience. These 2 guys had SEVEN lawyers to defend them and lost the case. The lawyers were also top lawyers

do not forget! RIP to the two victims who should have been able to enjoy a wonderful vacation

in Thailand instead of meeting a cruel viscous end. My condolences to the family and friends of the

victims I hope you are able to get over this tragedy and still enjoy

Thailand in the future as a nice holiday destination.

I watched the same video as you did but I didn't arrive at the same conclusion as you.

These 2 guys had 7 top lawyers defending them, and doing it pro-bono. If these lawyers did not believe in their innocence, I doubt they would have done it for free.

My condolences to the family and friends of the victims too (including the two newest victims)

[soalbundy]

Shame for Thai justice

This is the 24.. the day Jesus was born ... and the same day thise 2 person is found guilty..... NO..NO... My Cristmas will never be same... This is not right.... NO way ...

I don't think anyone knows when he was born but that has nothing to do with it, sorry about your Christmas.

It is possible that a face saving way out has already been concocted by the court,by refusing to acknowledge Dr.Porntip's evidence they have left the way open for a successful appeal,at least for a life sentence instead of the death penalty,at least that is my hope.

[StealthEnergiser]

To stealthenergiser.

Good on Andy Hall. What were the results of this crucial statement by the defence? The judge was satisfied with the way the forensics was conducted which rather stopped them in their tracks. I'm sick and tired of these petty technical admissions getting in the way of real hard evidence.

Nothing is petty issue when the death penalty is involved suggest you go and do some more reading JtJ

[mihalis]

All that counts is family is happy,.. Where were all those shouting wrong wrong, why havent they donated money to help, defence

[cheapcanuck]

If you followed the trial you would say the same...look at the way it was done, the police mistakes, their change of mind, the DNA farce, the evidence brought in a caddie at court, no proper sample,...countless things which will cause the case to close in every other country with a real judicial system

I agree as most will, this is a shame , a blot on Thailand it is actually disgusting.

What a Xmas present for these poor scapegoats, I hope they appeal and get some decent defense.

If Thai authorities want credibility then this is a thousand backward steps to getting any at all.

Is there no shame in hanging these boys (because of a poor trial with poor and farcical evidence) to protect the real killers.

Hopefully the appeal will correct this decission and I hope some pressure from some good help for these poor souls will let some true justice prevail.

However don't hold your breath , I spoke to a young Brittish girl on tour yesterday about it and she knew little of the case, only that 2 Burmese boys were arrested.

The public are soon to forget and this may well be why the Trial was dragged along with a verdict release at Xmas when everyone is busy with family and friends and celebrations.

The main reason for shame here as many have posted is that this case would be thrown from the court in most countries and is farcical.

I don't like to say this but shame on the parents of the 2 Brits murdered as they must know that these 2 are not the killers, now 2 more dead innocent boys will be on their conscience and If they are not found innocent in the appeal then shame too on many others in the Thai system that set up these poor souls

Merry Xmas to Thai justice.

Watch "Making A Murderer" on Netflex. You will see that corruption and incompetence are not only exclusive to the Thai justice system.

[IamNoone88]

Certainly, justice has not been served, beyond any reasonable doubt. For the families to accept this and leave a potential murderer on the loose is beyond me. Obviously, the authorities want this case close closed and buried in the knowledge that father time takes care of everything and people have short memories. That is how it works.

[Plutojames88]

I wonder if the Thais said to the family....

Look these guys have killed others .

We are going to stitch them up.

They are murderers in any case .

Your kids were killed so they can be your revenge .

It just makes no sense that there was so much evidence implicating the Mafia heads off spring including CCTV footage and his absence and on goings.

Then the stitch up which included no DNA on murder weapon.

Then destruction of said DNA .

Lawyers and experts claiming they couldn't have done it.

Yet case closed .

Two deaths ...but tourists dollars are expected to come back.

It's very scary when you think about it all.

And far worse is they are still out there.

[spermwhale]

I do hope that the victims families are reading this thread.

They will think that justice has been served, but more than likely to innocent people.

Actually, regardless of what we on this thread might THINK, the family has had more access to evidence and police than any of us here. None of us on this thread have been in the courtroom.

While I've been of the opinion that they got the wrong guys, who are any of us here to say that the family is mistaken. They have followed this case much closer than ANY of us here.

[tribalfusion001]

I don't why people are knocking the system, two innocent British tourists were killed and I'm sure Cameron pressed Prayut to get this sorted. No other suspects were brought forward and they had a 7 strong of lawyers to defend them!

[bkkbudddy]

What a fool!

[kinmaew]

If I picked you up after you accidentally tripped over you will have my DNA or perhaps after you drank from my beer bottle you could also have my DNA.

To "Acceptable standards" sounds like the BS lesson plans I had to write up which all the Thais cared about was putting a red rubber stamp on it.

Absolute, undeniable evidence is required if the penalty is death you better be 100% sure

[lucky11]

To stealthenergiser.

Good on Andy Hall. What were the results of this crucial statement by the defence? The judge was satisfied with the way the forensics was conducted which rather stopped them in their tracks. I'm sick and tired of these petty technical admissions getting in the way of real hard evidence.

Nothing is petty issue when the death penalty is involved suggest you go and do some more reading JtJ

I've done all the reading I need to do and have come to my verdict. I say they are guilty on the evidence I've seen and fully concur with that, as passed down by the residing judge(s) in the case.

[docshock13]

It wouldn't surprise me if the convicted suspects don't live long enough to see an appeal: found hung in their cells with suicide notes detailing how they could no longer live with the guilt etc.

While I sincerely hope it doesn't happen, nothing surprises me anymore about what lengths will be gone to in order to save face, maintain the status quo, and protect the powers that be in this tragic kingdom.

[car720]

I've read some appalling stuff on this forum but the comments attacking the British victims' family and alleging that they would agree to anything that they did not really believe to be the truth about the murders of their dear ones and are actually involved in a conspiracy with the Thai Government, the Thai Poilice, the UK Government, the UK Police, the Mafia and Uncle Tom Cobley and all, stoops to the depths lower than the muck on the bottom of my shoe. Those who are citing and supporting Jonathan Head and the BBC, wait to see what happens if they dare make the same allegations against the family directly in the UK that some of the depraved idiots have made here so far.

You are being quite judgemental in your presumptions that people here are being subjective in their comments rather than obective.

Many people who come here as a result of trials etc.. are at the mercy of interpreters and numerous other aspects of an unfamiliar culture and language. There is no doubt that they believe sincerely what is being said to them and the explanations that they are receiving. I believe it is the opinion of some members that these explanations are dubious and as such they are entitled to express those opinions. To deride someone whose opinion is not the same as others is to be petulant.

Also, if you are having a problem with the muck on the bottom of your shoe then you could always try standing elsewhere.

[Searat7]

Family just wants closure which is understandable.......if demonstrations were allowed in Thailand right now I think that a huge number of people would come out to demonstrate on behalf of those poor boys.

[lucky11]

To stealthenergiser.

Good on Andy Hall. What were the results of this crucial statement by the defence? The judge was satisfied with the way the forensics was conducted which rather stopped them in their tracks. I'm sick and tired of these petty technical admissions getting in the way of real hard evidence.

Nothing is petty issue when the death penalty is involved suggest you go and do some more reading JtJ

I've done all the reading I need to do and have come to my verdict. I say they are guilty on the evidence I've seen and fully concur with that, as passed down by the residing judge(s) in the case.

Bet you park in invalid spaces...?

If I did, I might end up in one legitimately in the future as I can't drive!! I may be approaching my 60's but cars never interested me.

[happy Joe]

What a farce.

The farce was especially the performance by armchair detectives say true or false without any concrete evidence.

The height of absurdity was far exceeded by the petition with tens of thousands of people all equally ignorant of the details of the case.

The evidence we read everything and anything on the net

Proof that petitions can be treated with contempt

.

Shame for those who have asserted the Innocence 2 B on the core principle that they were not the heads of murderers.

The shame for all those who have sullied the Thai authorities simply because they detest this country they have chosen nevertheless.

Needless to mention their names, They will recognize.

Oh please. These two men were convicted on nothing at all but circumstantial evidence. DNA evidence which is used up and can't be submitted as evidence, and which was denied to the defense team on those terms. The only DNA actually submitted, did not match. Hundreds of CCTV cameras which apprently didn't work. Discrepencies everywhere and holes in the case. That not speculation. That is fact.

If these kids commited the crime, by all means they should be in prison for the rest of their lives. The problem is there is next to no evidence to support that they were involved. You have to take the police's word for it. The prosecution's didn't have a case. Yet here is a conviction. I'm not asserting their innocence. But I'm certainly not remotely convinced of their guilt. How could you be unless you are a blind supporter?

Happy Joe won't answer any posts just likes to flame.

Do not expect me to help you in the shame of having speculated coarsely as you did it for months and months.

I hope only that you were sincere.

[Transporter]

Sadly no justice yet then for the victims and their families because the real killers (The ones who threatened to kill Shaun, Hannah and David's friend after the murders) are beyond reproach. It wouldn't surprise me if the next thing to happen is the sentence is carried out before the appeal is lodged.

[jomcondo]

the B2 will be released on appeal when all the media interest has died down.

sadly david's family are being hoodwinked

[MobileContent]

I am still convinced that they didn't do it but that's just me and live goes on.

[spidermike007]

I do not know what to make of his statement. I do not want to draw any conclusions about what the family is thinking. They have been through hell. But, in my opinion these two Burmese workers have been framed. There is a good chance they were at the scene. But in the capacity of employees, for the serial killer who perpetrated this heinous crime, and under extreme duress. I do not believe they had anything to do with the murder itself. My guess is that the killer roams free, on Dark Tao.

What I am wondering is, what kind of impact is this going to have on the Burmese migrant community here? My guess is that very few of them consider the possibility that these two were guilty. I don't, so why would they? With things improving a bit in Burma, and things worsening here economically, with the continued incompetency of this administration, and in terms of their security, one wonders if many may choose to return, or not come at all now. Thailand is going to find itself in deep doo doo if that happens, as they are so dependent on the Burmese for good quality, inexpensive labor. The situation is similar to that in the US, with the Mexican and Central American workers, who are willing to work hard, for low wages, and do the work that most of the locals do not want to do (despite what fiction writers like Donald Trump claim), and will not do for $8 an hour. Similar situation here. Few Thai men are willing to work as hard, with as much skill as the Burmese workers, for 300 baht per day. So, where does that leave Thailand, if they no longer have a significant migrant community to exploit?