Most mainstream media provide only superficial accounts of what has been happening on the island and their published information is often inaccurate and understated the seriousness of the situation. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Read about our approach to external linking. They weren't looked down upon or treated poorly at all. Two migrant workers from Myanmar on death row for the 2014 murder of two British backpackers on Koh Tao have had their sentences commuted to life in . While collecting forensic evidence, tourists and locals were allowed to walk on the beach. The Mirror reports that Hannahs family have pleaded for the photos of the pair, who were brutally murdered on a Thailand beach, to be taken off the internet. As we continue with our plans for our beautiful Hannahs party, our thoughts are with David Millers family who are suffering the same indescribable agony. [1][4][24] Witheridge's body indicated she had been raped. We are furious that we have not been able to have an approved independent forensic examination.". The families have opened up in Sky's new documentary, Death On The Beach, saying they believe Thai police covered up what really happened to their loved ones. In August 2020, Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo had their death sentences commuted to life in prison to commemorate King Vajiralongkorn's birthday and to show his "clemency". Police and court systems were hacked or taken offline in the following days, and a stash of personal information obtained from the court's servers was posted publicly. A coroner ruled in 2017 said that there is "no evidence" to suggest Luke was murdered. A woman Povse had been interested in said he had called her twice on the phone that night but she had not picked up because she had been asleep. [10], Witheridge and Miller travelled and arrived on the island separately on 25 August. View our online Press Pack. Photo from Sept 15 showing a police officer questioning Christopher Alan Ware, who has re-emerged as a leading suspect in the murder of a young British man and woman on Koh Tao on Monday in. The authorities said he had died after striking the diving board from which he was jumping. [37] Two weeks after the bodies were found, on 1 October 2014, police interrogated Mau Mau, who said he took the motorcycle and separated from the other two men before the murders occurred, and found them both home asleep by the time he had returned. Hannah Witheridge and David Miller koh tao, Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo koh tao, dimitri povse koh tao, christina annesley koh tao, Valentina Novozhyonova koh tao, luke miller koh tao, Elise Dallemagne koh tao, Bernd grotsch koh tao, Alexandr Bucspun koh tao, The frightening case of the Trailside Killer David Carpenter, The Yosemite National Park Sightseer Murders and the two faces of evil, The mysterious Koh Tao - Death Island in Paradise, Exclusive members-only articles on StrangeOutdoors.com, The coroner concluded there was not enough evidence to say where or how he met his death. The bricklayer from Newport, Isle of Wight, was found at the bottom of the pool at the Sunset Bar at Sairee Beach in January 2016. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Since then the Samui Times has been inundated with . Measuring 21 square kilometres (8sqmi) in area, it is the smallest of three popular tourist islands in the Gulf of Thailand. She had checked into the hostel on February 11 and was due to check out on February 16, but failed to do so. Their findings were never made public, but were shared with the families of the victims. Frenchman, Dimitri Povse, 29, was found hanging from the beam of a rented house on January 1, 2015. Police major general, Surachate Hakparn, said in an interview that the police have cracked down on crime syndicates on Koh Tao since the backpackers double killing. Koh Tao Murders: No DNA match with Warot in first test results By Coconuts Bangkok Oct 31, 2014 | 5:40pm Bangkok time Preliminary results today found no link between Warot Tuwichian and DNA police say was collected from the scene of two murders on Koh Tao last month. Get latest News Information, Articles on Thailand Vs Indonesia Live Streaming Updated on December 27, 2018 19:20 with exclusive Pictures, photos & videos on Thailand Vs Indonesia Live Streaming at Latestly.com - Page 18 Bergen Area, Norway. International experts criticized the DNA testing done by the hospital at the time with claims that samples were tampered with in order to falsely incriminate two Burmese workers. [70] Wai Phyo was also convicted of theft for allegedly stealing a phone and sunglasses from Miller's body. An unexplained fire that evening burned down three bamboo huts, including the one Elise had been staying in. They think our country is beautiful and safe and they can do whatever they want, wear bikinis wherever they like, the prime minister said. Find the perfect koh tao murder stock photo, image, vector, illustration or 360 image. 1. Also on the list of unexplained tourist deaths are French Dimitri Povse, 29, who was found hanged in a bungalow on New Year's Day 2015. [48][35] A 900-page police report was produced to guide the prosecution's case, but the defence were not allowed to see the report until the trial began. Picture: Viral Press/Australscope Mr Sachathamakul's wife, Anshoo. Photograph: Alamy. [42] In the trial, the prosecution said the phone was found smashed at the home of a friend of Zaw Lin's. Khao San Lomprayah - 2100 arrives Koh Tao 0845 > check prices for Bangkok to Koha Tao night bus and ferry and book now. The pictures, which News Corp Australia will not reproduce, were taken on the beach at Koh Tao, where the pair was hacked to death with a garden hoe, allegedly by two Burmese men who confessed to the bloody crime then withdrew their confessions. While police ruled out foul play, Nick's family, who say officers did not investigate a single witness, believe he was murdered. Picture: Viral Press/Australscope [31] A British defence lawyer, Felicity Gerry QC, said the trial was "far too rushed and unfair to the defense". Aran Klaewklong, a security guard from Big Blue Diving shop, told police he found a mobile phone, clothes, a hotel key, shoes and an ID on the beach at 1.30 am during a beach patrol. Mr Zaw and Mr Wai (also known as Win Zaw Htun), both 22 and migrants from Myanmar, also known as Burma, were arrested several weeks later. Attempts to appeal the sentence failed, but a royal decree was issued by King Vajiralongkorn in 2020 commuting the death sentences to life imprisonment. "I got him home and they had a proper postmortem - most of his bones were broken but the one bone that wasn't broken was his neck and there was no evidence of his face looking towards his back. "Another one of my sons was there with him, he was absolutely distraught looking at the police just laughing at him. [1][51] According to an observer, the sittings lasted over ten hours each day. Although Koh Tao is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand, it has always been shrouded by a dark mystery. (Washington D.C., February 27, 2023) - The Specialized Criminal Court (SCC) in Riyadh, used to prosecute "terrorism" cases in Saudi Arabia, has charged six former prominent SCC judges and four former judges of the High Court, the country's supreme court, with "high treason" - a crime punishable by death in Saudi Arabia - in its first secret hearing of the case on February 16, 2023, said . [10][32] They highlighted a British tourist who had shared a room with Miller as a suspect, labelling it a "crime of passion"; he became the subject of a nationwide manhunt before the police quickly dropped the lead. 0 0. It has over 100 hotels and resorts and was deemed the busiest diving centre in Southeast Asia in 2014. Today, we have gotten rid of them.. But they were skeptical and he was fit and healthy at the time of his death. Defence lawyers had asked for the samples to be independently verified but have now been told there is nothing left of them to re-test. The convictions were mired in controversy, with supporters of the two men arguing they had been framed because their initial confessions were made under duress. Luke Miller 2016; [31][65] Jane Taupin, an Australian forensic scientist brought in by the defence, claimed that the timeline of DNA extraction was dubious; a rapid analysis of DNA samples had happened in less than 12 hours,[34] which she said was unusual because "extracting DNA from mixed samples was difficult and time-consuming". [59] The defence struggled to find members of the public willing to testify at the trial, as many feared retribution,[1][60] hence their alibi was not considered convincing by the court. 8.4K views 2 years ago Dedication to 20 foreigners who died on Koh Tao. "There has been lots of chit-chat on the internet. A millionaire hotel tycoon and his wife have been found dead in a luxury resort on Koh Tao, colloquially known as Death Island. [42][48] Amnesty International stated that Thailand "must initiate an independent, effective and transparent investigation into mounting allegations of torture and other ill-treatment by police". [15], Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo retracted their statements following a visit from a consular lawyer for Myanmar and said they had made their statements under duress, after they had allegedly been beaten, left naked in a freezing room, and threatened with electrocution and an extrajudicial killing. The past three weeks have been unimaginably difficult and there are no words that can adequately describe the heartache and despair that our family is experiencing. They believed he had accidentally drowned and he was thought to have been dead for around 12 hours when his body was retrieved. All times AEDT (GMT +11). They also raised concerns with the absence of legal counsel prior to the confession, as well as difficulties with translation and interpretation. What really happened there? [39] Following an interrogation, during which police say Zaw Lin admitted he had entered the country illegally, Zaw Lin was arrested and his clothes and motorcycle were seized as evidence. The last known video footage of the Russian woman showed her walking to Chaloke Hin Kao bay and never coming back. The autopsy stated he had drowned. Verdicts in the case are not expected until October. My YouTube channel is called KOH TAO MURDERS DEATH ISLAND. The defendants have repeatedly stated their innocence over the murders, with the defence alleging they were framed. It is always challenging to bring ACCURATE & RELIABLE information about violent crime on Koh Tao because too many people are frightened to speak out publicly and still others try to SHOOT THE MESSENGERS . Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. A few days later, staff checked her room to discover her mobile phone, passport and camera had all been left behind. In January 2014, 25-year-old Nick Pearson was found dead in the sea below a cliff while visiting the island. [6] Miller had just completed his undergraduate degree in civil and structural engineering at the University of Leeds and was starting a masters degree. The pictures, which News Corp Australia will not reproduce, were taken on the beach at Koh Tao, where the pair was hacked to death with a garden hoe, allegedly by two Burmese men who confessed to the bloody crime then withdrew their confessions. Hanspeter Suter 2014; With crystal-clear waters, perfect sandy beaches, palm trees and great nightlife. Hannah was also raped in the attack. A mistake that many forensic experts say jeopardized the entire investigation.Throughout the investigation and criminal trial, the Thai government and police were heavily criticized by human rights organizations, legal experts, and the media. Stock photos, 360 images, vectors and videos. She added: The families of all the victims are not happy with the police reports, autopsy reports in Thailand dont match autopsy reports in the UK. We have done our own investigation and we are sure she was murdered. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, The families are not satisfied with the investigation by the Thai authorities, Christina Annesley was found dead on the beach in January 2015, Thai authorities said Ben Harrington,32, died when he crashed during a moped ride, The families have not been satisfied with the investigation of the Thai authorities, Luke Miller was found dead at the bottom of a pool, Elise Dallemange was found dead in the jungle in Koh Tao, The Curse of the turtle was released earlier this month, Bernd Grotsch from Germany was found dead at his house in Koh Tao, Valentina Novozhyonova vanished from her hostel, Suzanne Buchanan is determined to find out the truth about Koh Tao, Our kids all died on Koh Tao death island cops claim they were accidents but we think they were MURDERED, Headteacher sacked 'after sending parents a list of striking teachers' as school launches probe, Isle of Innisfree ferry: Blaze breaks out on boat carrying 183 people in English Channel as lifeboats scramble to scene. It has a population of around 1,500 people and the main settlement is Ban Mae Hat. Thai police are investigating their deaths as . "As long as I can breathe I will keep trying to find answers.". [47] Thailand's National Human Rights Commission attempted to investigate the allegations, but police representatives did not appear at four scheduled meetings. It was said the pair went swimming on the same beach earlier that night, and when they got out of the water they found their clothes had disappeared. Two of the victims were dismembered and disposed of in plastic bags. He was travelling Southeast Asia with a friend after completing a six-week work placement in Australia with a mining company,[6][8][9] and arrived in Thailand in August. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? [35][84] Despite not initially being permitted to assist with the investigation,[33] British police observers including homicide detectives from the Metropolitan Police and a forensics expert were eventually permitted into Thailand to observe the investigation. Therefore, we would like to take this opportunity to ask that Hannah be allowed a well-deserved day of privacy on Friday whilst we join her many friends in a celebration of her life.. 10 July 2015. These included backpackers Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, who were found murdered on the . Enterprise. I just listened to your full podcast about Koh Tao with considerable interest. We won't comment on the trial process. The bodies of Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, were found on a beach on Koh Tao in September 2014. . I'm asking if they wear bikinis in Thailand, will they be safe? Top Kurunegala Forests: See reviews and photos of Forests in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka on Tripadvisor. One of the men Mau Mau resided nearby. Andy was assisting the defence lawyers. Investigators had no theory to explain her unexpected stopover on Koh Tao on her way back to the mainland and the capital Bangkok. Shared On: 28th Dec, 2022. [87][88] The protests angered Thailand's prime minister, who believed the demonstrations were a plot "instigated" to hurt the government. On September 20, 1988, Tara Calico left her home in New Mexico to go on a bike ride she took, In November 1981, actress Natalie Wood mysteriously drowned off the coast of Southern California during a boating trip with her, In July 2014, 52 year old Lynn Messer mysteriously disappeared from her familys 260-acre farm in Bloomsdale, Missouri. News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Xi Jinping's power grab - and why it matters, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. [50], An 18-day trial began on 8 July 2015 in the Koh Samui Provincial Court. Both entered through the Ranong Province, allegedly without presenting themselves at a port of entry and without possessing a passport. "I have no proof that Ben was murdered. Yearly, many professional photographers visit this lodge to capture herds of elephants crossing the dry lake in search of water . Photographs of the bodies have been circulating on the internet. Our kids all died on Koh Tao 'death island' - cops claim they were accidents but we think they were MURDERED Aliki Kraterou Published: 13:58, 19 Mar 2022 Updated: 15:34, 19 Mar 2022 The. GRAPHIC crime scene photos showing the corpses of English backpackers Hannah Witheridge and David Miller have surfaced online, traumatising their families. Create an account. After searching, All rights reserved. When Nick Pearson died the police didnt go to his room, they didnt interview anybody. [49] Wai Phyo was also charged with stealing Miller's phone. Hannah was a University of Essex student from Hemsby in Norfolk, UK, and David was a civil and structural engineering graduate, from Jersey. He later apologised for the comment after it was met with public backlash. Buchanan who left Thailand in 2016 after receiving death threats for her reporting, reached out to the victims' families and formed a support group. Koh tao murders Stock Photos and Images (50) See koh tao murders stock video clips RM 2D0FFR6 - A police searches for clues near the spot where bodies of two killed British tourists were found, on the island of Koh Tao September 19, 2014. Some were murdered, some died in suspicious circumstances and some died in avoidable accidents. On 15 September, the bodies of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller were found on Sairee Beach on the island of Koh Tao, between 4 and 5am, a few hours after their deaths. His body was found at the beach at the Hillside Resort on Koh Tao, on January 1, 2014. Read about our approach to external linking. Elise went 1.5 miles (2.5km) through the jungle to Tanote Bay and took a room at the Poseidon Resort where she booked another ticket for Bangkok leaving on April 24. [93] Amid the investigation, Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul visited Koh Tao on 28 September 2014 in an attempt to reassure tourists. We'll be dignified for David. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, "This Septic Isle: Backpackers, Bloodshed and the Secretive World of Koh Tao", "Links revealed between police and migrants on Koh Tao", "Police: Still no suspect in killings of Britons on idyllic Thai island", "Thai king commutes death sentence of UK pair's killers", "Thailand: Hannah Witheridge 'raped by two men before being killed', "Thailand backpacker murders: David Miller and Hannah Witheridge - two lives cut short", "Thailand murders: Victims' families talk of senseless killings", "Hannah Witheridge's family pay tribute to "beautiful, intelligent, loving young woman", "British backpackers murdered in Thailand named as Hannah Witheridge and David Miller", "Thailand murders: Amnesty International call for police torture probe", Koh Samui Provincial Court No. Our family have been further traumatised by reports that there are numerous unnecessary and senseless photographs circulating across the internet. Again when Christina Annesley died police didnt interview the last person she was seen with while she was alive. The hearing was told that a post-mortem examination in Thailand showed that Mr Miller had a number of small bruises on his face and legs and gave a cause of death of head injuries and drowning. Top Rotherham Self-Guided Tours & Rentals: See reviews and photos of Self-Guided Tours & Rentals in Rotherham, England on Tripadvisor. German Bernd Grotsch's body was found at his home deep in the jungle in the Mae Haad part of Koh Tao. See the latest list of Exclusive members-only articles on StrangeOutdoors.com, https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30320196. Zaw Lin, front, and Wai Phyo (also known as Win Zaw Htun), rear, arrive at the court in Koh Samui, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Mother who killed her five children euthanised, Bakhmut attacks still being repelled, says Ukraine, Zoom boss Greg Tomb fired without cause, Alex Murdaugh jailed for life for double murder, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus. A. Kadyrov Hotels near Museum of the Chechen Republic Hotels near The Flower Park Hotels near Visit Chechnya Hotels near Grozny City Observation Deck Hotels near Church of Archangel Michael Hotels near Makhmud Esambayev Avenue Hotels near Museum of Akhmat Khadzhy Kadyrov Hotels near Monument to the Fighters of the . Nick Pearson 2014; The families of the young Brits who mysteriously lost their lives in Koh Tao have vowed to find out the truth and say something dodgy is going on., The grieving families have formed a support group following the death of their children on the Thai island, dubbed death island.. They are said to have confessed to the crime but later retracted their statements. From: kohtao. ", The dad added that some of the witnesses they spoke to were "too frightened" to come forward which shows "how the culture is.". [1][15][21], During an hours-long interrogation, during which the police used Burmese food vendors as interpreters[35] because the pair could not speak Thai,[41] the suspects confessed to the murders. The items were still there are 3 am and he called the police. The police were under pressure to produce results quickly, which affected how they conducted their investigation. His family accused the Thai police of a cover-up. [61], On July 10, the court ordered the DNA to be retested. Lightboxes. [85][15][86] Prayut said that British and Burmese government representatives were "limited to observation" and had to "respect our processes". It is not known who released the photos from the crime scene. Sun 23 Nov 2014 10.54 EST. [15] Public prosecutors initially rejected the report, asking for "certain flaws" to be fixed, more information to be supplied, and for the report to be made "more succinct". Allegations about police brutality rocked the countrys economy that almost solely relies on tourism. The court has now been told that vital DNA evidence cannot be retested. Last modified on Wed 29 Nov 2017 23.45 EST. Koh Tao is in the Chumphon Archipelago. "Then I started thinking what's going on here?". But "Turtle Island" has its dark side. Friends and family remain suspicious of the police investigation and the insistence that Dimitri committed suicide, especially as his hands were tied behind his back. The evidence in the form of this Unendorsed Report would have been ruled as inadmissible in US courts and other Western courts. The families dont believe a word of the Thai police investigation. A UK autopsy later revealedBen died of a transected aorta a rupture of the bodys largest artery rather than a broken neck. [25] There were no known eyewitnesses to the murders. Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo (also known as Win Zaw Htun). Theres a disproportionate amount of suspicious deaths on that island- and the link is that none of the families believe the police investigation or the information theyve been given. HARROWING photos of the corpses of English backpackers Hannah Witheridge and David Miller have surfaced online, traumatising their families. The father-of-ones family in Ingolstadt, Germany, said at the time they did not believe the authorities' claims that hedied of heart failure or had been bitten by a snake.. [74], The investigation was met with criticism by international media, human rights groups, and legal experts. Hiroshi 2002; Some 200 children have died in one nation after taking toxic cough syrups. Im asking if they wear bikinis in Thailand, will they be safe? He had entered the country on September 26, 2018, before traveling to the island, where stayed at the Monsoon Gym and Fight Club. Available for both RF and RM licensing. And on Koh Tao there are around 5,000 Burmese conspicuous by the golden streaks of thanaka paste, a traditional sunscreen and beauty product, garnishing their cheeks who build hotels, sweep. [53], The prosecution's case focused on findings of the police and medical examiner, with an emphasis on the DNA evidence. The country's prime minister, who had been phoning the national police chief daily for updates on the investigation, said "this should not have happened at all, as it will affect Thailand in the eyes of the international community". 2040 / 2557, Regional Court of Appeal VIII No. Due to the nature of her passing, our beautiful girl has had little privacy. Are there serial killers operating on the island, with their crimes apparently insufficiently investigated so that the tourist industry remains protected? Father weeps at Thai murder photos. Boyne Annesley believes his 23-year-old daughter Christina Annesley, of Orpington, southeast London, was murdered on Koh Tao Island in January 2015. A police officer told the trial of the severe injuries Miss Witheridge suffered and evidence she had been raped. But, he said that most of these would have been present prior to his death, although he could not completely rule out the possibility that Nick had been attacked. [79] Rumours began to circulate, with residents on the island saying the island is controlled by a mafia who "have information about the true culprits", and claimed that the police is covering for them. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Ms Witheridge, from Hemsby in Norfolk, and Mr Miller, from Jersey, were murdered on the popular holiday island on September 15. It is not known who released the photos from the crime scene. [21][73], The death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment on 14 August 2020 following a royal decree to commemorate King Vajiralongkorn's birthday and "illustrate the king's clemency". [55], The defence claimed that the investigation was flawed due to mishandling of forensic evidence, lack of legal representation during interrogations, use of threats and intimidation to secure a confession, and intimidation of witnesses. Two weeks later, two illegal Burmese migrant workers were blamed for the deaths, primarily on the basis of DNA evidence, and confessed following an hours-long interrogation. Amnesty International has demanded the Thai authorities investigate the torture allegations after one suspect reportedly said he was beaten and threatened with electrocution. There were no signs he was suicidal. [33][34] Over 200 individuals on the island, many of them migrant workers, were tested in mass DNA testing. CONFESSION WITHDRAWN: Burmese suspect claims he was beaten, tortured by police. DESPITE its flawless beaches and crystal seas, Thailand has earned a deadly reputation after 60 Brits died there between 2014 and 2016 alone. With crystal-clear waters, perfect sandy beaches, palm trees and great nightlife. The university graduate, who was two weeks into a four-month backpacking trip round South East Asia, was found dead on her bungalow in January 2015. Hannah Witheridge 2014; The owner of a 5 star hotel in Phuket and his wife were found dead at the bottom of their hotel swimming pool on the island of Koh Tao on Friday afternoon. The university graduate, who was two weeks into a four-month backpacking trip round South East Asia, was found dead on her bungalow in January 2015. Thailand's paradise island murder mystery continues to baffle police, BBC's south-east Asia correspondent reports from Koh Tao. New Zealand's Minisrty of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) says 185 Kiwis are registered as being in the flood affected areas of Koh Samui and Koh Tao and parts of southern Thailand, including . We are like one big family, weve been through this journey for the past seven years together. There is an alternative bus and ferry service run by Songserm, which is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? None of the families believe that the way the police said they died is actually how they died and they are all very unhappy with the investigation. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. We beg that Hannah and David are afforded privacy and dignity through the removal of these pointless and insensitive reminders. [2] In 2014, the island had a population of around 5,000 locals. A royal commutation does not require an admission of guilt. [5][6] Both were students who were backpacking in Thailand. The following month Russian Valentina Novozhyonova, 23,vanished from her hostel sparking a police search. It covers an area of about 21 km2.
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Most mainstream media provide only superficial accounts of what has been happening on the island and their published information is often inaccurate and understated the seriousness of the situation. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Read about our approach to external linking. They weren't looked down upon or treated poorly at all. Two migrant workers from Myanmar on death row for the 2014 murder of two British backpackers on Koh Tao have had their sentences commuted to life in . While collecting forensic evidence, tourists and locals were allowed to walk on the beach. The Mirror reports that Hannahs family have pleaded for the photos of the pair, who were brutally murdered on a Thailand beach, to be taken off the internet. As we continue with our plans for our beautiful Hannahs party, our thoughts are with David Millers family who are suffering the same indescribable agony. [1][4][24] Witheridge's body indicated she had been raped. We are furious that we have not been able to have an approved independent forensic examination.". The families have opened up in Sky's new documentary, Death On The Beach, saying they believe Thai police covered up what really happened to their loved ones. In August 2020, Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo had their death sentences commuted to life in prison to commemorate King Vajiralongkorn's birthday and to show his "clemency". Police and court systems were hacked or taken offline in the following days, and a stash of personal information obtained from the court's servers was posted publicly. A coroner ruled in 2017 said that there is "no evidence" to suggest Luke was murdered. A woman Povse had been interested in said he had called her twice on the phone that night but she had not picked up because she had been asleep. [10], Witheridge and Miller travelled and arrived on the island separately on 25 August. View our online Press Pack. Photo from Sept 15 showing a police officer questioning Christopher Alan Ware, who has re-emerged as a leading suspect in the murder of a young British man and woman on Koh Tao on Monday in. The authorities said he had died after striking the diving board from which he was jumping. [37] Two weeks after the bodies were found, on 1 October 2014, police interrogated Mau Mau, who said he took the motorcycle and separated from the other two men before the murders occurred, and found them both home asleep by the time he had returned. Hannah Witheridge and David Miller koh tao, Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo koh tao, dimitri povse koh tao, christina annesley koh tao, Valentina Novozhyonova koh tao, luke miller koh tao, Elise Dallemagne koh tao, Bernd grotsch koh tao, Alexandr Bucspun koh tao, The frightening case of the Trailside Killer David Carpenter, The Yosemite National Park Sightseer Murders and the two faces of evil, The mysterious Koh Tao - Death Island in Paradise, Exclusive members-only articles on StrangeOutdoors.com, The coroner concluded there was not enough evidence to say where or how he met his death. The bricklayer from Newport, Isle of Wight, was found at the bottom of the pool at the Sunset Bar at Sairee Beach in January 2016. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Since then the Samui Times has been inundated with . Measuring 21 square kilometres (8sqmi) in area, it is the smallest of three popular tourist islands in the Gulf of Thailand. She had checked into the hostel on February 11 and was due to check out on February 16, but failed to do so. Their findings were never made public, but were shared with the families of the victims. Frenchman, Dimitri Povse, 29, was found hanging from the beam of a rented house on January 1, 2015. Police major general, Surachate Hakparn, said in an interview that the police have cracked down on crime syndicates on Koh Tao since the backpackers double killing. Koh Tao Murders: No DNA match with Warot in first test results By Coconuts Bangkok Oct 31, 2014 | 5:40pm Bangkok time Preliminary results today found no link between Warot Tuwichian and DNA police say was collected from the scene of two murders on Koh Tao last month. Get latest News Information, Articles on Thailand Vs Indonesia Live Streaming Updated on December 27, 2018 19:20 with exclusive Pictures, photos & videos on Thailand Vs Indonesia Live Streaming at Latestly.com - Page 18 Bergen Area, Norway. International experts criticized the DNA testing done by the hospital at the time with claims that samples were tampered with in order to falsely incriminate two Burmese workers. [70] Wai Phyo was also convicted of theft for allegedly stealing a phone and sunglasses from Miller's body. An unexplained fire that evening burned down three bamboo huts, including the one Elise had been staying in. They think our country is beautiful and safe and they can do whatever they want, wear bikinis wherever they like, the prime minister said. Find the perfect koh tao murder stock photo, image, vector, illustration or 360 image. 1. Also on the list of unexplained tourist deaths are French Dimitri Povse, 29, who was found hanged in a bungalow on New Year's Day 2015. [48][35] A 900-page police report was produced to guide the prosecution's case, but the defence were not allowed to see the report until the trial began. Picture: Viral Press/Australscope Mr Sachathamakul's wife, Anshoo. Photograph: Alamy. [42] In the trial, the prosecution said the phone was found smashed at the home of a friend of Zaw Lin's. Khao San Lomprayah - 2100 arrives Koh Tao 0845 > check prices for Bangkok to Koha Tao night bus and ferry and book now. The pictures, which News Corp Australia will not reproduce, were taken on the beach at Koh Tao, where the pair was hacked to death with a garden hoe, allegedly by two Burmese men who confessed to the bloody crime then withdrew their confessions. While police ruled out foul play, Nick's family, who say officers did not investigate a single witness, believe he was murdered. Picture: Viral Press/Australscope [31] A British defence lawyer, Felicity Gerry QC, said the trial was "far too rushed and unfair to the defense". Aran Klaewklong, a security guard from Big Blue Diving shop, told police he found a mobile phone, clothes, a hotel key, shoes and an ID on the beach at 1.30 am during a beach patrol. Mr Zaw and Mr Wai (also known as Win Zaw Htun), both 22 and migrants from Myanmar, also known as Burma, were arrested several weeks later. Attempts to appeal the sentence failed, but a royal decree was issued by King Vajiralongkorn in 2020 commuting the death sentences to life imprisonment. "I got him home and they had a proper postmortem - most of his bones were broken but the one bone that wasn't broken was his neck and there was no evidence of his face looking towards his back. "Another one of my sons was there with him, he was absolutely distraught looking at the police just laughing at him. [1][51] According to an observer, the sittings lasted over ten hours each day. Although Koh Tao is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand, it has always been shrouded by a dark mystery. (Washington D.C., February 27, 2023) - The Specialized Criminal Court (SCC) in Riyadh, used to prosecute "terrorism" cases in Saudi Arabia, has charged six former prominent SCC judges and four former judges of the High Court, the country's supreme court, with "high treason" - a crime punishable by death in Saudi Arabia - in its first secret hearing of the case on February 16, 2023, said . [10][32] They highlighted a British tourist who had shared a room with Miller as a suspect, labelling it a "crime of passion"; he became the subject of a nationwide manhunt before the police quickly dropped the lead. 0 0. It has over 100 hotels and resorts and was deemed the busiest diving centre in Southeast Asia in 2014. Today, we have gotten rid of them.. But they were skeptical and he was fit and healthy at the time of his death. Defence lawyers had asked for the samples to be independently verified but have now been told there is nothing left of them to re-test. The convictions were mired in controversy, with supporters of the two men arguing they had been framed because their initial confessions were made under duress. Luke Miller 2016; [31][65] Jane Taupin, an Australian forensic scientist brought in by the defence, claimed that the timeline of DNA extraction was dubious; a rapid analysis of DNA samples had happened in less than 12 hours,[34] which she said was unusual because "extracting DNA from mixed samples was difficult and time-consuming". [59] The defence struggled to find members of the public willing to testify at the trial, as many feared retribution,[1][60] hence their alibi was not considered convincing by the court. 8.4K views 2 years ago Dedication to 20 foreigners who died on Koh Tao. "There has been lots of chit-chat on the internet. A millionaire hotel tycoon and his wife have been found dead in a luxury resort on Koh Tao, colloquially known as Death Island. [42][48] Amnesty International stated that Thailand "must initiate an independent, effective and transparent investigation into mounting allegations of torture and other ill-treatment by police". [15], Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo retracted their statements following a visit from a consular lawyer for Myanmar and said they had made their statements under duress, after they had allegedly been beaten, left naked in a freezing room, and threatened with electrocution and an extrajudicial killing. The past three weeks have been unimaginably difficult and there are no words that can adequately describe the heartache and despair that our family is experiencing. They believed he had accidentally drowned and he was thought to have been dead for around 12 hours when his body was retrieved. All times AEDT (GMT +11). They also raised concerns with the absence of legal counsel prior to the confession, as well as difficulties with translation and interpretation. What really happened there? [39] Following an interrogation, during which police say Zaw Lin admitted he had entered the country illegally, Zaw Lin was arrested and his clothes and motorcycle were seized as evidence. The last known video footage of the Russian woman showed her walking to Chaloke Hin Kao bay and never coming back. The autopsy stated he had drowned. Verdicts in the case are not expected until October. My YouTube channel is called KOH TAO MURDERS DEATH ISLAND. The defendants have repeatedly stated their innocence over the murders, with the defence alleging they were framed. It is always challenging to bring ACCURATE & RELIABLE information about violent crime on Koh Tao because too many people are frightened to speak out publicly and still others try to SHOOT THE MESSENGERS . Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. A few days later, staff checked her room to discover her mobile phone, passport and camera had all been left behind. In January 2014, 25-year-old Nick Pearson was found dead in the sea below a cliff while visiting the island. [6] Miller had just completed his undergraduate degree in civil and structural engineering at the University of Leeds and was starting a masters degree. The pictures, which News Corp Australia will not reproduce, were taken on the beach at Koh Tao, where the pair was hacked to death with a garden hoe, allegedly by two Burmese men who confessed to the bloody crime then withdrew their confessions. Hanspeter Suter 2014; With crystal-clear waters, perfect sandy beaches, palm trees and great nightlife. Hannah was also raped in the attack. A mistake that many forensic experts say jeopardized the entire investigation.Throughout the investigation and criminal trial, the Thai government and police were heavily criticized by human rights organizations, legal experts, and the media. Stock photos, 360 images, vectors and videos. She added: The families of all the victims are not happy with the police reports, autopsy reports in Thailand dont match autopsy reports in the UK. We have done our own investigation and we are sure she was murdered. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, The families are not satisfied with the investigation by the Thai authorities, Christina Annesley was found dead on the beach in January 2015, Thai authorities said Ben Harrington,32, died when he crashed during a moped ride, The families have not been satisfied with the investigation of the Thai authorities, Luke Miller was found dead at the bottom of a pool, Elise Dallemange was found dead in the jungle in Koh Tao, The Curse of the turtle was released earlier this month, Bernd Grotsch from Germany was found dead at his house in Koh Tao, Valentina Novozhyonova vanished from her hostel, Suzanne Buchanan is determined to find out the truth about Koh Tao, Our kids all died on Koh Tao death island cops claim they were accidents but we think they were MURDERED, Headteacher sacked 'after sending parents a list of striking teachers' as school launches probe, Isle of Innisfree ferry: Blaze breaks out on boat carrying 183 people in English Channel as lifeboats scramble to scene. It has a population of around 1,500 people and the main settlement is Ban Mae Hat. Thai police are investigating their deaths as . "As long as I can breathe I will keep trying to find answers.". [47] Thailand's National Human Rights Commission attempted to investigate the allegations, but police representatives did not appear at four scheduled meetings. It was said the pair went swimming on the same beach earlier that night, and when they got out of the water they found their clothes had disappeared. Two of the victims were dismembered and disposed of in plastic bags. He was travelling Southeast Asia with a friend after completing a six-week work placement in Australia with a mining company,[6][8][9] and arrived in Thailand in August. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? [35][84] Despite not initially being permitted to assist with the investigation,[33] British police observers including homicide detectives from the Metropolitan Police and a forensics expert were eventually permitted into Thailand to observe the investigation. Therefore, we would like to take this opportunity to ask that Hannah be allowed a well-deserved day of privacy on Friday whilst we join her many friends in a celebration of her life.. 10 July 2015. These included backpackers Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, who were found murdered on the . Enterprise. I just listened to your full podcast about Koh Tao with considerable interest. We won't comment on the trial process. The bodies of Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, were found on a beach on Koh Tao in September 2014. . I'm asking if they wear bikinis in Thailand, will they be safe? Top Kurunegala Forests: See reviews and photos of Forests in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka on Tripadvisor. One of the men Mau Mau resided nearby. Andy was assisting the defence lawyers. Investigators had no theory to explain her unexpected stopover on Koh Tao on her way back to the mainland and the capital Bangkok. Shared On: 28th Dec, 2022. [87][88] The protests angered Thailand's prime minister, who believed the demonstrations were a plot "instigated" to hurt the government. On September 20, 1988, Tara Calico left her home in New Mexico to go on a bike ride she took, In November 1981, actress Natalie Wood mysteriously drowned off the coast of Southern California during a boating trip with her, In July 2014, 52 year old Lynn Messer mysteriously disappeared from her familys 260-acre farm in Bloomsdale, Missouri. News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Xi Jinping's power grab - and why it matters, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. [50], An 18-day trial began on 8 July 2015 in the Koh Samui Provincial Court. Both entered through the Ranong Province, allegedly without presenting themselves at a port of entry and without possessing a passport. "I have no proof that Ben was murdered. Yearly, many professional photographers visit this lodge to capture herds of elephants crossing the dry lake in search of water . Photographs of the bodies have been circulating on the internet. Our kids all died on Koh Tao 'death island' - cops claim they were accidents but we think they were MURDERED Aliki Kraterou Published: 13:58, 19 Mar 2022 Updated: 15:34, 19 Mar 2022 The. GRAPHIC crime scene photos showing the corpses of English backpackers Hannah Witheridge and David Miller have surfaced online, traumatising their families. Create an account. After searching, All rights reserved. When Nick Pearson died the police didnt go to his room, they didnt interview anybody. [49] Wai Phyo was also charged with stealing Miller's phone. Hannah was a University of Essex student from Hemsby in Norfolk, UK, and David was a civil and structural engineering graduate, from Jersey. He later apologised for the comment after it was met with public backlash. Buchanan who left Thailand in 2016 after receiving death threats for her reporting, reached out to the victims' families and formed a support group. Koh tao murders Stock Photos and Images (50) See koh tao murders stock video clips RM 2D0FFR6 - A police searches for clues near the spot where bodies of two killed British tourists were found, on the island of Koh Tao September 19, 2014. Some were murdered, some died in suspicious circumstances and some died in avoidable accidents. On 15 September, the bodies of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller were found on Sairee Beach on the island of Koh Tao, between 4 and 5am, a few hours after their deaths. His body was found at the beach at the Hillside Resort on Koh Tao, on January 1, 2014. Read about our approach to external linking. Elise went 1.5 miles (2.5km) through the jungle to Tanote Bay and took a room at the Poseidon Resort where she booked another ticket for Bangkok leaving on April 24. [93] Amid the investigation, Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul visited Koh Tao on 28 September 2014 in an attempt to reassure tourists. We'll be dignified for David. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, "This Septic Isle: Backpackers, Bloodshed and the Secretive World of Koh Tao", "Links revealed between police and migrants on Koh Tao", "Police: Still no suspect in killings of Britons on idyllic Thai island", "Thai king commutes death sentence of UK pair's killers", "Thailand: Hannah Witheridge 'raped by two men before being killed', "Thailand backpacker murders: David Miller and Hannah Witheridge - two lives cut short", "Thailand murders: Victims' families talk of senseless killings", "Hannah Witheridge's family pay tribute to "beautiful, intelligent, loving young woman", "British backpackers murdered in Thailand named as Hannah Witheridge and David Miller", "Thailand murders: Amnesty International call for police torture probe", Koh Samui Provincial Court No. Our family have been further traumatised by reports that there are numerous unnecessary and senseless photographs circulating across the internet. Again when Christina Annesley died police didnt interview the last person she was seen with while she was alive. The hearing was told that a post-mortem examination in Thailand showed that Mr Miller had a number of small bruises on his face and legs and gave a cause of death of head injuries and drowning. Top Rotherham Self-Guided Tours & Rentals: See reviews and photos of Self-Guided Tours & Rentals in Rotherham, England on Tripadvisor. German Bernd Grotsch's body was found at his home deep in the jungle in the Mae Haad part of Koh Tao. See the latest list of Exclusive members-only articles on StrangeOutdoors.com, https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30320196. Zaw Lin, front, and Wai Phyo (also known as Win Zaw Htun), rear, arrive at the court in Koh Samui, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Mother who killed her five children euthanised, Bakhmut attacks still being repelled, says Ukraine, Zoom boss Greg Tomb fired without cause, Alex Murdaugh jailed for life for double murder, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus. A. Kadyrov Hotels near Museum of the Chechen Republic Hotels near The Flower Park Hotels near Visit Chechnya Hotels near Grozny City Observation Deck Hotels near Church of Archangel Michael Hotels near Makhmud Esambayev Avenue Hotels near Museum of Akhmat Khadzhy Kadyrov Hotels near Monument to the Fighters of the . Nick Pearson 2014; The families of the young Brits who mysteriously lost their lives in Koh Tao have vowed to find out the truth and say something dodgy is going on., The grieving families have formed a support group following the death of their children on the Thai island, dubbed death island.. They are said to have confessed to the crime but later retracted their statements. From: kohtao. ", The dad added that some of the witnesses they spoke to were "too frightened" to come forward which shows "how the culture is.". [1][15][21], During an hours-long interrogation, during which the police used Burmese food vendors as interpreters[35] because the pair could not speak Thai,[41] the suspects confessed to the murders. The items were still there are 3 am and he called the police. The police were under pressure to produce results quickly, which affected how they conducted their investigation. His family accused the Thai police of a cover-up. [61], On July 10, the court ordered the DNA to be retested. Lightboxes. [85][15][86] Prayut said that British and Burmese government representatives were "limited to observation" and had to "respect our processes". It is not known who released the photos from the crime scene. Sun 23 Nov 2014 10.54 EST. [15] Public prosecutors initially rejected the report, asking for "certain flaws" to be fixed, more information to be supplied, and for the report to be made "more succinct". Allegations about police brutality rocked the countrys economy that almost solely relies on tourism. The court has now been told that vital DNA evidence cannot be retested. Last modified on Wed 29 Nov 2017 23.45 EST. Koh Tao is in the Chumphon Archipelago. "Then I started thinking what's going on here?". But "Turtle Island" has its dark side. Friends and family remain suspicious of the police investigation and the insistence that Dimitri committed suicide, especially as his hands were tied behind his back. The evidence in the form of this Unendorsed Report would have been ruled as inadmissible in US courts and other Western courts. The families dont believe a word of the Thai police investigation. A UK autopsy later revealedBen died of a transected aorta a rupture of the bodys largest artery rather than a broken neck. [25] There were no known eyewitnesses to the murders. Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo (also known as Win Zaw Htun). Theres a disproportionate amount of suspicious deaths on that island- and the link is that none of the families believe the police investigation or the information theyve been given. HARROWING photos of the corpses of English backpackers Hannah Witheridge and David Miller have surfaced online, traumatising their families. The father-of-ones family in Ingolstadt, Germany, said at the time they did not believe the authorities' claims that hedied of heart failure or had been bitten by a snake.. [74], The investigation was met with criticism by international media, human rights groups, and legal experts. Hiroshi 2002; Some 200 children have died in one nation after taking toxic cough syrups. Im asking if they wear bikinis in Thailand, will they be safe? He had entered the country on September 26, 2018, before traveling to the island, where stayed at the Monsoon Gym and Fight Club. Available for both RF and RM licensing. And on Koh Tao there are around 5,000 Burmese conspicuous by the golden streaks of thanaka paste, a traditional sunscreen and beauty product, garnishing their cheeks who build hotels, sweep. [53], The prosecution's case focused on findings of the police and medical examiner, with an emphasis on the DNA evidence. The country's prime minister, who had been phoning the national police chief daily for updates on the investigation, said "this should not have happened at all, as it will affect Thailand in the eyes of the international community". 2040 / 2557, Regional Court of Appeal VIII No. Due to the nature of her passing, our beautiful girl has had little privacy. Are there serial killers operating on the island, with their crimes apparently insufficiently investigated so that the tourist industry remains protected? Father weeps at Thai murder photos. Boyne Annesley believes his 23-year-old daughter Christina Annesley, of Orpington, southeast London, was murdered on Koh Tao Island in January 2015. A police officer told the trial of the severe injuries Miss Witheridge suffered and evidence she had been raped. But, he said that most of these would have been present prior to his death, although he could not completely rule out the possibility that Nick had been attacked. [79] Rumours began to circulate, with residents on the island saying the island is controlled by a mafia who "have information about the true culprits", and claimed that the police is covering for them. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Ms Witheridge, from Hemsby in Norfolk, and Mr Miller, from Jersey, were murdered on the popular holiday island on September 15. It is not known who released the photos from the crime scene. [21][73], The death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment on 14 August 2020 following a royal decree to commemorate King Vajiralongkorn's birthday and "illustrate the king's clemency". [55], The defence claimed that the investigation was flawed due to mishandling of forensic evidence, lack of legal representation during interrogations, use of threats and intimidation to secure a confession, and intimidation of witnesses. Two weeks later, two illegal Burmese migrant workers were blamed for the deaths, primarily on the basis of DNA evidence, and confessed following an hours-long interrogation. Amnesty International has demanded the Thai authorities investigate the torture allegations after one suspect reportedly said he was beaten and threatened with electrocution. There were no signs he was suicidal. [33][34] Over 200 individuals on the island, many of them migrant workers, were tested in mass DNA testing. CONFESSION WITHDRAWN: Burmese suspect claims he was beaten, tortured by police. DESPITE its flawless beaches and crystal seas, Thailand has earned a deadly reputation after 60 Brits died there between 2014 and 2016 alone. With crystal-clear waters, perfect sandy beaches, palm trees and great nightlife. The university graduate, who was two weeks into a four-month backpacking trip round South East Asia, was found dead on her bungalow in January 2015. Hannah Witheridge 2014; The owner of a 5 star hotel in Phuket and his wife were found dead at the bottom of their hotel swimming pool on the island of Koh Tao on Friday afternoon. The university graduate, who was two weeks into a four-month backpacking trip round South East Asia, was found dead on her bungalow in January 2015. Thailand's paradise island murder mystery continues to baffle police, BBC's south-east Asia correspondent reports from Koh Tao. New Zealand's Minisrty of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) says 185 Kiwis are registered as being in the flood affected areas of Koh Samui and Koh Tao and parts of southern Thailand, including . We are like one big family, weve been through this journey for the past seven years together. There is an alternative bus and ferry service run by Songserm, which is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? None of the families believe that the way the police said they died is actually how they died and they are all very unhappy with the investigation. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. We beg that Hannah and David are afforded privacy and dignity through the removal of these pointless and insensitive reminders. [2] In 2014, the island had a population of around 5,000 locals. A royal commutation does not require an admission of guilt. [5][6] Both were students who were backpacking in Thailand. The following month Russian Valentina Novozhyonova, 23,vanished from her hostel sparking a police search. It covers an area of about 21 km2. Justin And Tracy House Hunters,
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