ARAKAN INDOBHASA

The British Government has now officially raised its concerns over the Thai investigation into who killed Hannah Witheridge and David Miller on the island of Koh Tao.

Foreign Office Minister summonsed the Thai Charge d'Affairs in London and in particular raised concern about the behaviour of the Royal Thai Police and it's dealing with the media. This is believed to relate to multiple statements in relations to suspects in the case.

Diplomatically although the statement is worded politely this is a severe rebuke to the Royal Thai Police. The British Government has further stated that British police 'stood ready' to assist in the case. A team is already operating out of Norwich Police station in Norfolk - and it is believed that the British Police may also have DNA of the killers, or at least rapists of Hannah.


If the Thai Government wishes to show that its investigation is transparent it will now be under very strong public opinion pressure to allow British detectives to enter the investigation.




The statement from the Foreign and Commonwealth Offices is as follows:


Minister for the Far East and South East Asia Hugo Swire summoned the Thai Chargé d’Affaires to the UK, Mr. Nadhavathna Krishnamra, to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office today, to raise his concerns about the investigation into the murders of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller on Koh Tao on 15 September. The summons followed Mr Swire’s call to the Thai Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Tanasak Patimapragorn, on 9 October.

Mr Swire stressed that there was a real concern in the UK about how the investigation has been handled by the Thai authorities. He said that it was crucial for the investigation to be conducted in a fair and transparent way. Mr Swire emphasised how important it was that the UK and Hannah and David’s families received regular updates on the investigation’s progress. He also noted his concern about the way that the police had engaged with the media on the case and reiterated that the UK police stood ready to assist with the investigation and subsequent legal process.

Two Burmese migrant workers are due in court in Koh Samui tomorrow. It is expected they will be remanded in custody every 12 days until their trial.

Thai Prime Minister General Prauth Chan-Ocha has backed the Thai police investigation completely said he was 'excited' when he discovered how Thai Police quickly found the killers.

Question of the Month: Will these murders affect tourism in Thailand.
Answer: No, but they will when Thai police start investigating. 

 

http://www.andrew-drummond.com/2014/10/britain-concerned-about-thai-murder.html