Koh Tao: Suspects found guilty of murdering British backpackers

[Luang]

But in a statement outside court, Miller’s family said they believed the police investigation and forensic work “was not the so-called shambles it was made out to be”.

“David was hacked from behind, dragged into the sea and left to die,” said Miller’s brother, Michael, standing by his parents, Ian and Sue. “That will live with us forever. What happened to Hannah Witheridge is unspeakable. David always stood up for justice and justice is what has been delivered today. We came to realise that the police investigation and the forensic work performed was not the so-called shambles it was made out to be.”

He added: “Having listened carefully to all the evidence and despite what their lawyers say, it is our opinion that the evidence against Wai Phyo and Zaw Lin is absolutely overwhelming.”

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/24/thailand-backpacker-murders-bar-workers-found-guilty-of-killing-british-tourists

Looks like the police did their job, then again forum readers who were never there probably know better

OR the politicians did their job on the broken families? Open your eyes and see the world for what it truly is!

[smedly]

You were one of the biggest "sleuths" and game players on the social media!

Ask him if he/family have "interests" on KT...Go on ask him....

Stop being so childish with you're infantile comments, I, and I'm sure many others are getting bored with them. whilst you are at it, why don't you ask him if he has any relations in the RTP in Koh Samui or whether he is friends with the phantom KS Mafia.

You probably are unaware how stupid you are making yourself seem...........or there again!!

smart people on here know exactly where the stupid is

[smedly]

Follow

Ian Yarwood‏@IanYarwood_Law

@idannyb @RichardBarrow @pakhead DNA evidence was never properly established. DNA collection expert Jane Taupin is disappointed/depressed

lucky11 will be along soon to tell us all that this very well educated and experienced expert is an idiot

your luck will run out before 12, I am absolutely sure of that

[smedly]

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.

the real hard evidence is that you have absolutly no clue what you are talking about - it is beyond wood, I think completely empty

[Tanlic]

Amazing how hundreds if not thousands have come on here like blind sheep and done everything in their power to discredit the RTP in this case.

This whole Thaivisa witch hunt was based on nothing more than rumours and innuendos with very few of us disagreeing or at least thinking "Hey wait a minute maybe it was these guys"

Even now when the family who were in the court unlike the members of Thaivisa who haven't got a clue what went on the witch hunt continues.

Talk about Thais not wanting to lose face.........have a look at yourselves and at least admit perhaps you were wrong

[Chuckles78]

But in a statement outside court, Miller’s family said they believed the police investigation and forensic work “was not the so-called shambles it was made out to be”.

“David was hacked from behind, dragged into the sea and left to die,” said Miller’s brother, Michael, standing by his parents, Ian and Sue. “That will live with us forever. What happened to Hannah Witheridge is unspeakable. David always stood up for justice and justice is what has been delivered today. We came to realise that the police investigation and the forensic work performed was not the so-called shambles it was made out to be.”

He added: “Having listened carefully to all the evidence and despite what their lawyers say, it is our opinion that the evidence against Wai Phyo and Zaw Lin is absolutely overwhelming.”

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/24/thailand-backpacker-murders-bar-workers-found-guilty-of-killing-british-tourists

Looks like the police did their job, then again forum readers who were never there probably know better

“David was hacked from behind, dragged into the sea and left to die,” said Miller’s brother, Michael, standing by his parents, Ian and Sue. “That will live with us forever. What happened to Hannah Witheridge is unspeakable. David always stood up for justice and justice is what has been delivered today. We came to realise that the police investigation and the forensic work performed was not the so-called shambles it was made out to be.”

So, I guess the other BIG guy was restraining Hannah, whilst his equally BIG friend was wiping the floor with 6ft+ David? No worries (or noise) and then then both nonchalantly raped Hannah as the sun rose on paradise, 50-100m from their residences? Some story, don't you think?!!

I wasn't at the scene nor was I at the hearing so why should I judge or make an opinion? But go ahead and "guess".

The family who has gone through all of it would know best.

Edited December 24, 2015 by Dieter78

[T_Dog]

Anyone have a link to the video where Sondhi Limthongkul speaks about his version of who was involved? Lots of folks that lived down there have expressed their opinion of who was involved in the murder, and it certainly wasn't the two Burmese boys.

[tribalfusion001]

Amazing how hundreds if not thousands have come on here like blind sheep and done everything in their power to discredit the RTP in this case.

This whole Thaivisa witch hunt was based on nothing more than rumours and innuendos with very few of us disagreeing or at least thinking "Hey wait a minute maybe it was these guys"

Even now when the family who were in the court unlike the members of Thaivisa who haven't got a clue what went on the witch hunt continues.

Talk about Thais not wanting to lose face.........have a look at yourselves and at least admit perhaps you were wrong

Well said.

[berybert]

But in a statement outside court, Miller’s family said they believed the police investigation and forensic work “was not the so-called shambles it was made out to be”.

“David was hacked from behind, dragged into the sea and left to die,” said Miller’s brother, Michael, standing by his parents, Ian and Sue. “That will live with us forever. What happened to Hannah Witheridge is unspeakable. David always stood up for justice and justice is what has been delivered today. We came to realise that the police investigation and the forensic work performed was not the so-called shambles it was made out to be.”

He added: “Having listened carefully to all the evidence and despite what their lawyers say, it is our opinion that the evidence against Wai Phyo and Zaw Lin is absolutely overwhelming.”

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/24/thailand-backpacker-murders-bar-workers-found-guilty-of-killing-british-tourists

Looks like the police did their job, then again forum readers who were never there probably know better

“David was hacked from behind, dragged into the sea and left to die,” said Miller’s brother, Michael, standing by his parents, Ian and Sue. “That will live with us forever. What happened to Hannah Witheridge is unspeakable. David always stood up for justice and justice is what has been delivered today. We came to realise that the police investigation and the forensic work performed was not the so-called shambles it was made out to be.”

So, I guess the other BIG guy was restraining Hannah, whilst his equally BIG friend was wiping the floor with 6ft+ David? No worries (or noise) and then then both nonchalantly raped Hannah as the sun rose on paradise, 50-100m from their residences? Some story, don't you think?!!

I wasn't at the scene nor was I at the hearing so why should I judge or make an opinion? But go ahead and "guess".

The family who has gone through all of it would know best.

There are 4 families that have gone thru all of it. Seems to me only 1 of the 4 have much confidence in the case.

How do you explain that ?.

Oh of course the defendants wanted their boys to be innocent. Pretty much like the victims families wanted the boys to be guilty.

[tribalfusion001]

But in a statement outside court, Miller’s family said they believed the police investigation and forensic work “was not the so-called shambles it was made out to be”.

“David was hacked from behind, dragged into the sea and left to die,” said Miller’s brother, Michael, standing by his parents, Ian and Sue. “That will live with us forever. What happened to Hannah Witheridge is unspeakable. David always stood up for justice and justice is what has been delivered today. We came to realise that the police investigation and the forensic work performed was not the so-called shambles it was made out to be.”

He added: “Having listened carefully to all the evidence and despite what their lawyers say, it is our opinion that the evidence against Wai Phyo and Zaw Lin is absolutely overwhelming.”

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/24/thailand-backpacker-murders-bar-workers-found-guilty-of-killing-british-tourists

Looks like the police did their job, then again forum readers who were never there probably know better

“David was hacked from behind, dragged into the sea and left to die,” said Miller’s brother, Michael, standing by his parents, Ian and Sue. “That will live with us forever. What happened to Hannah Witheridge is unspeakable. David always stood up for justice and justice is what has been delivered today. We came to realise that the police investigation and the forensic work performed was not the so-called shambles it was made out to be.”

So, I guess the other BIG guy was restraining Hannah, whilst his equally BIG friend was wiping the floor with 6ft+ David? No worries (or noise) and then then both nonchalantly raped Hannah as the sun rose on paradise, 50-100m from their residences? Some story, don't you think?!!

I wasn't at the scene nor was I at the hearing so why should I judge or make an opinion? But go ahead and "guess".

The family who has gone through all of it would know best.

According to posters on here, the British press is outraged by the verdict, not from what I've read. No one seems to give much concern to the family of David and Hannah, maybe if they had not been backpackers and had been murdered in their 60's or 70's people may have been more sympathetic!

Edited December 24, 2015 by tribalfusion001

[smedly]

I feel sorry for their loss.

But this does not excuse their celebrating this verdict.

If they know something that gives reason for their opinion they should let everybody know

- so people can peacefully agree with the verdict

If not they have been brainwashed - or may be even bribed??

The families are not under any obligations or have a duty to inform the public of any intimate details of this case.

I would not think the family would make such statements if they were not convinced justice has been served. My guess is that there is evidences that is being withheld for legal reasons considering there will be an appeal later on.

sorry but I am going to be quite frank and tell you that is utter nonsense, nothing was withheld in this case because there was nothing to begin with, and as I have said before already - unless this family are lawyers or police or have been advised by such people (not in Thailand) then their conclusion is that of inexperienced people that have been lead to believe certain things, in the real world of modern justice none of it stands up to any sort of standard - and I speak from a very experienced perspective - I have been in many court rooms in the west

I have the utmost sympathy respect for the families and I cannot imagine what hell they are going through, but I would advise them to seek professional council and have a few things explained to them before making any further statements in public about what went on here - they really need to do that

[ThaiThaiThailand]

The Police, Prosecutors, Judges, Laboratories, Thai Government, UK Investigators, UK Government and Victims Families are all in on this cover-up to protect a tiny island headsman.

This of course only makes sense to those who have a hatred for Thais,Thailand or just are getting some faux self-esteem from playing detective and coming up with conspiracy theories.

[smedly]

Very hard explain how David's phone came to be in their possession. Hard to explain why they tried to conceal a phone that they knew was from the crime scene.

how on earth does anyone know which phone was found where, it really does boil down to the police claiming as such, but yet again there is no COC for any of the evidence - they can just simply make it up as they go and the judges apparently accept that

.....angry

[jing jing]

September 25, 2014

“Pol Gen Somyot pointed to groundless reports posted on social media that obstructed the investigation and confused the investigators.”

“We haven't targeted anyone and have not concluded whether the murderers are still in the area,'' he said.”

“The mystery surrounding the identities of the killers had grown over reports, which he denied, that a suspect had fled the island and was hiding in Bangkok."

"I was surprised at the news.”

http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-police-blame-koh-tao-probe-delays-on-social-media-48872.php

Yet, two days prior:

September 23, 2014

“Police in Thailand said today they had identified two men they wanted to speak to as part of the inquiry into the murder of two British tourists.”

“One of the suspects had been questioned while the other had left the island where the killings took place.”

“Lt Gen Panya Mamen, a senior southern police commander, said the suspects were related to the village leader on the island of Koh Tao.”

“The police chief said they were liaising with officers in the capital to try and detain the second man.”

“Police said they looking into claims Ms Witheridge and Mr Miller had argued with a Thai man in a bar before they were killed.”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/thailand-beach-murders-police-identify-two-suspects-over-deaths-of-hannah-witheridge-and-david-9751056.html

September 23, 2014

“The police have arrested a suspect in the murder of two British tourists in Koh Tao and are still hunting for a second suspect who has escaped into Bangkok.”

“Eighth Region Police Command commissioner Pol Lt-Gen Panya Mamen identified the first suspect as Mon.”

“He is the brother of a village headman in Koh Tao.”

“He was arrested after evidence which police collected were examined and proved he was involved, he said.”

“He also said another suspect is also a son of that village headman. But he has already to Bangkok.”

“He said both suspects were captured by CCTV cameras and the police have gathered enough evidence to implicate them in the murders.”

http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/one-tourist-murder-suspect-now-arrested-another-run

September 30, 2014

“A Thai man said he was beaten up by police after he turned down a police offer of reward money if he agreed to be a witness in the murder case of two British tourists in Thailand’s tourist island of Koh Tao, southern Surat Thani Province”

“Pornprasit said the police detained him at 1.30 pm on Monday.”

“During the interrogation, the police investigators asked him to agree to pretend to have knowledge of the incident, Pornprasit said.”

“The police allegedly offered him a 700,000 baht reward and guaranteed him witness status.”

“However, since he was not involved with the crime and did not have any knowledge related to it, Pornprasit declined the police offer.”

“That made the police angry, he said.”

“The police allegedly beat him up before releasing him on Monday at 6.30 pm.”

http://prachatai.org/english/node/4373

October 2, 2014

“Prasit brought the issue up with Assawin sae-Phoo, head of local taxi drivers on the tourist island, citing "fear for his life after turning down the offer".

"Assawin later took Prasit's complaint to Korbchai Saowalak, the kamnan of tambon Koh Tao.”

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Police-promised-cash-reward-to-buy-false-testimony-30244573.html

October 30, 2014

“Royal Thai Police commissioner Pol Gen Somyot Phumphanmuang today warned of tough legal action for anyone who posted false information on the social network criticizing the handling of the Koh Tao murder case by the police which he said could cause rift and a threat to economy.”

“Pol Gen Somyot, however, made clear that the DNA test on the son would have no impact on the police case file which has been finished with all circumstantial and forensic evidence submitted to the prosecutor for indictment of the two Myanmar suspects.”

“He said he has designated the computer crime suppression police to investigate and bring the poster to trial as the post has hurt tourism and economy.”

http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/national-police-chief-warns-distorted-information-koh-tao-murder

November 04, 2014

Police refuse to answer torture claim

“Police handling the Koh Tao murders case have again stood up the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which has repeatedly invited investigators to its headquarters to clear up allegations they tortured two Myanmar suspects to confess.”

“The NHRC would begin debating whether it should file a complaint against forensic police, Police Region 8 and the Metropolitan Police Bureau after the three departments failed to show up for the fourth time.”

http://www.nhrc.or.th/2012/wb/en/news_detail.php?nid=3376&parent_id=1&type=new

And of course, there is this;

September 19, 2014

"On arriving the day after the murders, the senior police officer on the island assured us the culprit could not have been a Thai person."

"No Thai could possibly commit such a crime, he said, forgetting the equally ghastly murder of Welsh tourist Katherine Horton in 2006, by, it turned out, two Thai fishermen."

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-29262496

Until Senior Southern Police Commander, Lt Gen Panya Mamen showed up on September 23, 2014.

And that all changed.

"He also dismissed any suggestion of local mafias or influential people that could twist the investigation with promise that local influence would pose no obstacle to the police investigation."

"Instead the police will eliminate all these mafias, he said."

Then they changed him. Transferred out.

This is absolutely the most coherent example, the best job I've seen anywhere of assembling all pertinent reports made contemporaneously with events as they unfolded.

If any person can absorb and comprehend this succession of events, yet still conclude that the 2 Burmese defendants are the true murderers, then I suspect there is something other than logic influencing their thought process.

Also, to put things as diplomatically as possible - simply being the family member of a murder victim does not confer great intellectual powers on any particular person or persons.

[ThaiThaiThailand]

But in a statement outside court, Millers family said they believed the police investigation and forensic work was not the so-called shambles it was made out to be.

David was hacked from behind, dragged into the sea and left to die, said Millers brother, Michael, standing by his parents, Ian and Sue. That will live with us forever. What happened to Hannah Witheridge is unspeakable. David always stood up for justice and justice is what has been delivered today. We came to realise that the police investigation and the forensic work performed was not the so-called shambles it was made out to be.

He added: Having listened carefully to all the evidence and despite what their lawyers say, it is our opinion that the evidence against Wai Phyo and Zaw Lin is absolutely overwhelming.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/24/thailand-backpacker-murders-bar-workers-found-guilty-of-killing-british-tourists

Looks like the police did their job, then again forum readers who were never there probably know better

David was hacked from behind, dragged into the sea and left to die, said Millers brother, Michael, standing by his parents, Ian and Sue. That will live with us forever. What happened to Hannah Witheridge is unspeakable. David always stood up for justice and justice is what has been delivered today. We came to realise that the police investigation and the forensic work performed was not the so-called shambles it was made out to be.

So, I guess the other BIG guy was restraining Hannah, whilst his equally BIG friend was wiping the floor with 6ft+ David? No worries (or noise) and then then both nonchalantly raped Hannah as the sun rose on paradise, 50-100m from their residences? Some story, don't you think?!!

I wasn't at the scene nor was I at the hearing so why should I judge or make an opinion? But go ahead and "guess".

The family who has gone through all of it would know best.

According to posters on here, the British press is outraged by the verdict, not from what I've read. No one seems to give much concern to the family of David and Hannah, maybe if they had not been backpackers and had been murdered in their 60's or 70's people may have been more sympathetic!

It would seem the family believe the right people were held accountable and what justice could be served was served. So odd that you would say the media has no concern for the families though it seems they may not have the concern you hoped for online detectives and conspiracy theorist.

[jing jing]

The Police, Prosecutors, Judges, Laboratories, Thai Government, UK Investigators, UK Government and Victims Families are all in on this cover-up to protect a tiny island headsman.

This of course only makes sense to those who have a hatred for Thais,Thailand or just are getting some faux self-esteem from playing detective and coming up with conspiracy theories.

"...a tiny island headman..."

Apparently you are unaware of the tremendous influx of tourist cash that is pumped through this "tiny island," both through legitimate businesses and otherwise, not to mention the influential nature of the aforementioned headman's friends.

[dundas]

I have great empathy for the families of the two who were killed. When I hear David Miller's brother saying he's satisfied with the trial process and outcome, I hope his trust in the court helps heal what I am sure has been an awful, awful wounding.

But this morning, after reflecting on the whole sorry saga of this trial, I went to the campaign page set up by Andy Hall and gave a donation. That's my practical way of saying that I think there are very real question marks about whether justice has been served.

Edited December 24, 2015 by dundas

[smedly]

I will finish with this - food for thought

does anyone actually understand what the function of a judge is ? it seems in Thailand they don't, they are facilitators and in some cases mediators but they must always rely on experts

I know one thing that I am certain of - they are not forensic scientists and neither are the police

a judge or a panel of judges might hear a case and facilitate the proceedings but they must rely on the expertise of educated people in a particular field, it is quite disturbing that such experts were either ignored or not allowed to testify

[jacko45k]

I feel sorry for their loss.

But this does not excuse their celebrating this verdict.

If they know something that gives reason for their opinion they should let everybody know

- so people can peacefully agree with the verdict

If not they have been brainwashed - or may be even bribed??

I agree to a degree. I saw Mr Milker's statement and felt it rather contrived, and somewhat effusive. More about how wonderfully the locals had been than their thoughts on the trial. I also felt it was not written by English people. I am glad the whole sorry ordeal is done with, I await any further statements the Millers may make when back in the UK, and just hope justice has been served.

[NongKhaiKid]

I saw the statement made by David Miller's brother and had to feel they were desperate for a guilty verdict to get some form of closure as a not guilty would have kept their wounds open knowing the real killers were still out there somewhere.

They wanted, needed a conviction no matter what and i do believe their gushing praise for the BIB etc is misplaced as, speaking of the trial only, all reports so far indicate it has raised more questions than it answered over how it was conducted.

[T_Dog]

One blogger out there go it wrong when he wrote: "It is good that the parents of the victims seem to have closure. It would be horrific if that closure came at the cost of two innocent lives."

It should read, "It IS horrific that the closure came at the cost of two innocent lives. "

[foxteen]

Case closed for them ... this horrendous crime was committed by more the 2 people...i believe was a pack of guys and they got away..locals

[foxteen]

Disgusting. SHAME in you Thailand.

FACE completely LOST.

For me it looks like this murderer was done by a pack of guys ..not 2...and some influence people was part of it and then was the cover up and use those two guys as scapegoat..Thais guys when they drink they committed horrendous crimes...i might be wrong but i don't see two guys doing this crime

[Artisi]

All this thread is about mostly about the poor Burmese migrants. What about poor David and Hannah who just happen to be on holiday on a tropical island and get violently murdered?

Yes. Murdered by someone, but not by these two.

Any proof to corroborate this?

Much, if you wish to go back and do some research on what was being investigated prior to the senior BIB suddenly being kicked off the investigation

[Artisi]

All this thread is about mostly about the poor Burmese migrants. What about poor David and Hannah who just happen to be on holiday on a tropical island and get violently murdered?

Yes. Murdered by someone, but not by these two.

Any proof to corroborate this?

Any proof to condemn the Burmese patsies? Nope.

Just a couple of migrants from Myanmar, who cares if they are guilty or not!

Correct unfortunately

[ThaiThaiThailand]

All this thread is about mostly about the poor Burmese migrants. What about poor David and Hannah who just happen to be on holiday on a tropical island and get violently murdered?

Yes. Murdered by someone, but not by these two.

Any proof to corroborate this?

Much, if you wish to go back and do some research on what was being investigated prior to the senior BIB suddenly being kicked off the investigation

It was a transfer planned prior to the murders. These transfers take place every year at the same time. And if you were to look back you will find a plethora of things that folks complain about during the investigation happened under his watch including the crime scene and numerous misinformation released and naming of incorrect suspects and clearing of those people want to believed are involved. Bottom line, no sudden transfer but a planned one that took place on schedule.

[SoilSpoil]

https://www.amnesty.or.th/news/press/721#.Vnwvhs9yTzg.twitter

[chainarong]

There are 698 blogs on this case so far , that indicates a public interest of importance ,has the English police had any input into this case after their visit, I have not or may have missed this vital piece of information , I hesitate after previous bungling's by the RTP in other cases to suggest that these Burmese are the suspects, the problem being the RTP for decades has proved itself a department of disasters and incompetence and in some cases have not been entirely up front to get a conviction................

Edited December 25, 2015 by chainarong

[Artisi]

All this thread is about mostly about the poor Burmese migrants. What about poor David and Hannah who just happen to be on holiday on a tropical island and get violently murdered?

Yes. Murdered by someone, but not by these two.

Any proof to corroborate this?

Much, if you wish to go back and do some research on what was being investigated prior to the senior BIB suddenly being kicked off the investigation

It was a transfer planned prior to the murders. These transfers take place every year at the same time. And if you were to look back you will find a plethora of things that folks complain about during the investigation happened under his watch including the crime scene and numerous misinformation released and naming of incorrect suspects and clearing of those people want to believed are involved. Bottom line, no sudden transfer but a planned one that took place on schedule.

Oh! how convenient for a certain group of people.....

[EyesWideOpen]

Boycott Koh Tao......