THAI POLICE RE-ENACT KOH TAO MURDER SCENE
‘VERY SATISFIED WITH INVESTIGATION’
BUT BURMESE SAY ‘THEY DID NOT DO IT’
Two Burmese migrant labourers, who police say have confessed to the brutal murders of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, were today ordered to take part in a reconstruction of the murder scene – comically one holding a Thai dustpan in place of the murder weapon – a garden hoe.
The two men, known as Win and Saw (or Cho,)whose DNA, police said, matches the sperm DNA taken from Hannah, were taken back to the murder spot on Sairee Beach, to-renact what they did.
They were also asked to put on helmets and flak jackets to protect them from an angry mob. There was no angry mob, but a large crowd mainly of locals applauded and clapped police after their presentation. This they all hoped would bring closure on a case which has driven media attention worldwide as much as for the confusion of the case as the barbarity of the murders.
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| Dustpan (pic Khao Sod ) |
Amazingly British media were asked to take part in the theatricals. BBC Myanmar correspondent Jonah Fisher refused. He tweeted: ‘Bizarrely asked to be ‘David Miller’ in Thai reconstruction on Koh Tao’. Sky News lady took Hanna role.’
Sky TV’s Sarah Yuen then staggeringly walked along the beach with a foreign male posing as Hannah Witheridge and David Miller. This the ‘Sun‘ described as a new low in the investigation.
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| Sky-walk |
However they were not ask to play the victims during the attack. Two local Burmese were told to take the parts of Win and Soe (Cho).
The Sky correspondent Sarah Yuen tweeted: ‘Another get Sky attempt. The BBC guy agreed but wanted to do a stand up at the same time.’
Pol.Gen. Somyot Pumphanmuang told reports “Tests show that DNA samples of the two Burmese matched the DNA [traces] collected by the police”.
Final analysis was concluded at 8 am.
Further they said they had CCTV footage which supported their case and Hannah’s mobile phone was found in the woods near their room. It had been discarded because it did not work, said police.
DNA samples taken from cigarette butts of the same L&M brand, which were found near the crime scene, matched those extracted from semen retrieved from Witheridge. Win was caught on CCTV footage , said police, buying LM Red cigarettes.
The two men it was reported were drinking, playing a guitar, smoking and singing on the beach, prior to the murder of David, 24, from Jersey and the murder and rape of Hannah, 23, from Great Yarmouth.
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| Crash helmets and flak jackets but no angry mob. |
Win and Saw (Cho) had seen David and Hannah ‘kissing’ and were aroused (Reports yesterday stated that Win had seen the couple making love and was aroused) and they decided to rape the woman.
Its claimed that David Miller was attacked first and beaten then drowned and then Hannah was attacked and raped. Afterwards they hacked her face with the hoe.
A third man who was arrested with Win and Saw has been discounted.
Two years ago Thai Police said they would stop public reconstructions of the crimes using the alleged perpetrators as they had received complaints that they prejudiced trails. But they resumed after a few months.
In today’s reconstruction it was evident that police were leading the suspects who were working to their orders.
Pol Lt General Decha Butrnamphech, commissioner of the Provincial Police Region 8, said: “I am very satisfied with the investigation.”
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| One Burmese, pushed down by officer, to simulate the assault while another attacks with the dustpan ‘hoe’ |
Police said the investigation was conducted methodically and there was no co-ercion.
The Bangkok Post reported: “With the peak tourist season fast approaching, Thai authorities are desperate to draw a line under the incident” adding that it was hoped the reputation of the Thai Police would be restored after severe criticism, mainly from the British media.
However even as the crime re-enactment was taking place a spokesman for the Myanmar Migrant Labour Association Aung Kyaw said:
“ We have asked the Myanmar Embassy to call for an independent inquiry and that the DNA testing be verified independently of the Thai police.
“There are things that have happened on that island which need to be answered including the beatings and torture of Burmese. There are suspicious circumstances”
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Last night however Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-Ocha congratulated the Thai Police on their investigation and said he would be rewarding those taking part.
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PERSONAL COMMENT:
There were several questions that were puzzling. If they were guilty why did they not flee the island a long time ago. Why would they keep Hannah’s mobile phone when there was a worldwide hue and cry, even if it were thrown away nearby. Would they forget?
And a personal question. Yesterday Win was filmed wearing the same shirt he wore on the night of the alleged murder. It had obviously been washed but why did they not take immediately take it off him and send to forensics?
This may be a red herring- These are comments on Thaivisa.com, a herring factory, who claims to be a friend of one of Hannah’s travel companions.
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| But this image by a terrified McAnna is lodged in my mind |
The British media are of course being blamed for the criticism of the Thai Police. And it is true that universally in the UK the view is negative. (And if this was the first of such murder/rapes possibly British press criticism might justifiably construed as being ‘over the top’) Comments by posters on the Daily Mail, currently banned in Thailand, suggest that most people do not believe the Thai police and show that these ‘re-enactments’ though they might work for Thais, are regarded at best comical and bizarre and at worst tasteless and totally uncalled for, and by their theatricality just not credible. The tiny stature of these small Burmese workers against the police ordering them to wai and seek forgiveness, speaks for itself. But criticism is not confined to foreigners in Thailand there too have been many cries of ‘scapegoat’.
The mothers of two British murder victims in Thailand have been in contact with this site. They certainly do not believe.
But at the end of the day the only people whose opinion counts are the family and friends of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller.
What the manager of the AC bar told the Thai media
Truth or Fantasy or a slant of an old story doing the rounds – a poster to the Daily Mail writes:
stainless, London
2 years ago on a Thai Island, a western chap was told that the local Thai Family that controlled the island, was going to buy the successful hotel business that he and his Thai wife had built up. He refused and went missing the following day, but was found washed up on a beach, thanks to an unusual change in sea currents. The local Thai police said he had accidently drowned, and arranged to have the body cremated. The western embassy managed to stop this, and had a post-mortem carried out, which found he was beaten to death before he entered the water.
I certainly have not heard of this one but it could be variations of an old story. Its the last line I do not believe.
And from the Justice for Hannah Witheridge and David Miller Facebook Page
Phensri: “I sent some message to Uk Embassy to asked them can accept this way?????????? Why they don’t help their people. Why????? What happed in Thailand If, Who have money to be mafia can change the truth????????? Please help to talk and share to help them, Please help Hanna and David. Please help me to find the way the help them. If, they can change the story and finined this way. I can not accept and so sad to can not help them. Please Please Please Please
You gotta love the pommy media, two innocent kids murdered and these idiots spend their time in petty 'one-upmanship.' If this is a fit up and it comes out later these guys didn't do it, all hell will break loose. The older cases were before social media really got going. Now everything is under the microscope. They better have the right guys. Can we trust the DNA results if overseen and screened by the Thai police?
A lot has happened since you posted 6 weeks ago. CSI LA has ripped the Royal Thai Police's case to shreds on social media, a UK team of investigators from Scotland Yard has come and gone from Koh Tao, and the Burmese government has filed for a re-investigation into the case in light of human right's violations. Hell will break loose, but not here. It's pretty obvious these Burmese boys did not commit this crime. Will the RTP be willing to negotiate a little face for their freedom?
I have been reporting since Jim – but some of the stories which have been reported everywhere I have left alone
Sitting on a log singing and playing the guitar, I decided to commit rape and murder. No I don't think so. The DNA needs to be verified by an third party.
The latest revelation is just how was Hannah's phone recently found near Saw's home, when it was given to police by her friend on Sept 15th to aid the investigation. Pictures at;
https://twitter.com/cm_mcv/status/518079919801110529?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=fb&utm_campaign=worrarit&utm_content=518246232456560640
I just did a quick mental calculation of all the things I've heard on the news about this case. From the gay lover theory to the Thai football team as suspects, from Hanna sharing a smoke with her killers to the pants splattered with blood that wasn't blood. We've had a terrified farang chased off the island by two local Thai guys who seem to be in just about every clip posted from the crime scene. They seem to have a very cosy relationship with the police. Now we seem to have a mobile that some say the police had on day one being found conveniently is close proximity to the suspects house later on. As I said before, can we trust the police with the DNA evidence? The rest of the investigation has been handled very suspiciously.
https://www.change.org/p/the-government-of-the-united-kingdom-independently-investigate-the-horrific-murders-of-hannah-witheridge-and-david-miller
We want the truth. According to all these information, we still doubt it is truth. There are many circumstances which favour this is untrue.
1. Thai is under the military government. They are giving pressure to their police because of tourist murder.
2. They don't want bad name to Thai national because of country interest, financial interest.
3. Political reason. Thai government does not want Burmese refugees on their soil because they have to keep for more than 2 decades.
4. Historical reason. During the Burmese monachy, Burmese king bully Thai nation. that is why, those who are very traditional people (many) hate Burmese national. Even in their school lession put this story.
5. Weaker link, poor young Burmese guy. These 2 young men has no money, no education, no stay in foreign country, powerless, no backup. It is very easy to change all these evidences and story.
While they are playing music unlikely to kill tourists while they have to stay in foreign country without financial interest especially young age.
We need intependent investigation. Myanmar Embassy MUST take this part for own citizens. We doearnestly request British Embassy, to support for independent inquiry. (Even still debating death after drowning or beore drowing) many circumstancial evidences are very doubtful. We do not want these 2 guys have death sentence for without any involvement. If it is truth, then they have to obey the justice. Otherwise, their parents will suffer, friends will suffer, they will suffer for life. Then powerful authority will gain and benefit by bullying poor powerless two young Burmese guys. Please support who wants the TRUTH as much you can. Let us start the Campaign for the TRUTH. Dr. Thein Win (South Africa)
Thai police are corrupt and everyone knows it. Thailand will do anything to protect their tourism. Thailand welcomed 27.5 million tourists in 2013 and tourism makes up 20% of it's GDP!! Imagine how bad it would look if some local Thai men had rapped and murdered 2 tourists?? Well their tourism industry would be hurt, perhaps irrevocably! It's all too easy to make scapegoats out of these poor Burmese workers who have nothing. The Thai police have probably switched seamen samples and know who the killers are. More than likely the son of a village chief on the island! how can we really be sure without an independent inquiry from a western country (Britain, Aus etc..) that we have found the murderers? They are probably still at large, needless to say my girlfriend and I will NOT be travelling to Koh Tao this November! Thai cover up!
Tourism only accounts for 7 to 8% of GDP. But yes we have all had some bad experiences with the RTP. However a simple DNA mouth swab from the two suspects can be analyzed at a Forensic Laboratory of their own choosing and that will confirm or not that the profile is that of the semen from the poor girl. Put all this suspicion and conspiracy theories to bed. The confessions and other evidence will not have any bearing then. Its a fact that the Police had no way of interfering or placing semen inside the girl, these lads were not on the radar then and even if they had been can anybody realistically say semen could be obtained from them and placed inside the girl. Get Real.
Depends on how you calculate it. It's more than 8% if you factor in ALL spend by tourists and expats. And indeed cash inflows into Thailand which if used for land purchase are in a Thai's name. So the real gdp is significant
You can be assured the Thai Bar men did this murder. They are part of the Thai Mafia and can do anything they want with no repercussions. They own the police in this area. This will never change until the Government moves in and takes over. Just like they have done in Phuket. It's sad that these men are free and will murder again someday.
After gathering available information and evidence, it is getting obvious that the two accused murderers, Myanmar boys seems not committing the brutal murder’s case.
The fact is as following:
On that full moon day night, tourists were having party and drinking at the bars and clubs. Before The British couple, David and Hannah were murdered and raped, they were drinking with their friends at Koh Tao’s AC Bar. Please see the photo 1. As per photo, Hannah’s phone could be seen.
After the two couple were murdered, Thai’s Authorities claimed that the Hannah’s phone was found inside the room of two Myanmar guys.
But, in fact, Hannah’s phone was left one of her friends and the phone was handed over to Thai’s Authorities by Hannah friends.
According to the witnesses who were at the same bar said that the British Couple were having a quarrel with some people at the bar.
Then, around mid-night approximately 2 am, the couple came out from AC Bar with one of their friend, Mr Sean who is British too. They went to the beach, played the guitar and sang a song.
Meanwhile, a group of Thai Mafia who earlier quarreled with British Couple got to the spot and fought. Please see the photo 2 below. The guitar was sustained with blood. Some cut and wound could be seen on Mr. Sean’s right hand and leg.
Not being killed by Thai Mafia Mr. Sean managed to get away from the scene. Then he posted on his facebook wall, saying that Thai Mafia Gang was trying to kill him and he even asked for help. Please see photo 3.
Later Mr. Sean got afraid of being killed by Thai Mafia, he followed according to Thai Authorites. By swallowing the true, he told Thai Authorities that he slipped off while riding the bicycle and it caused the cut and wound on his arm and leg.
After investigation the corpse of victim, Mr David, it has been found that one inch of deep cuts were around his face and on his head. These suggested the similar cut and wound on Mr Sean’s arm and leg. It appeared that the killers were using sharp weapon/ knife while killing the victims. It can be known that the killer were well trained and very professional when it comes to killing. Please see the photo 4.
Thai Authorities said the two Myanmar boys were using the spade by killing the couple is totally wrong by looking at above mentioned fact.
The whole world knows that Thai Authorities are really under table and corrupt from Thai Underground business man with the help of Mafia. They had hidden the true and fact. The Police arrested two Myanmar migrant workers living and working on Koh Tao irregularly (without documents) and made the public believe them as a murderers and convicted rapist. So far, even Thai people could not be convinced.
Even thought CCTV from the nearest store which captured that the two accused murder boys were a few meters away from the accident scene, we still believe that the arrested Myanmar boys are not involved in this murdered case and rape.
All in all, please take a careful consideration above mentioned fact. We, Myanmar people are very humble and law abiding citizen, especially when we are in foreign country. “ Where is justice? Please Do something right as Crime doesn’t pay”
After gathering available information and evidence, it is getting obvious that the two accused murderers, Myanmar boys seems not committing the brutal murder’s case.
The fact is as following:
On that full moon day night, tourists were having party and drinking at the bars and clubs. Before The British couple, David and Hannah were murdered and raped, they were drinking with their friends at Koh Tao’s AC Bar. Please see the photo 1. As per photo, Hannah’s phone could be seen.
After the two couple were murdered, Thai’s Authorities claimed that the Hannah’s phone was found inside the room of two Myanmar guys.
But, in fact, Hannah’s phone was left one of her friends and the phone was handed over to Thai’s Authorities by Hannah friends.
According to the witnesses who were at the same bar said that the British Couple were having a quarrel with some people at the bar.
Then, around mid-night approximately 2 am, the couple came out from AC Bar with one of their friend, Mr Sean who is British too. They went to the beach, played the guitar and sang a song.
Meanwhile, a group of Thai Mafia who earlier quarreled with British Couple got to the spot and fought. Please see the photo 2 below. The guitar was sustained with blood. Some cut and wound could be seen on Mr. Sean’s right hand and leg.
Not being killed by Thai Mafia Mr. Sean managed to get away from the scene. Then he posted on his facebook wall, saying that Thai Mafia Gang was trying to kill him and he even asked for help. Please see photo 3.
Later Mr. Sean got afraid of being killed by Thai Mafia, he followed according to Thai Authorites. By swallowing the true, he told Thai Authorities that he slipped off while riding the bicycle and it caused the cut and wound on his arm and leg.
After investigation the corpse of victim, Mr David, it has been found that one inch of deep cuts were around his face and on his head. These suggested the similar cut and wound on Mr Sean’s arm and leg. It appeared that the killers were using sharp weapon/ knife while killing the victims. It can be known that the killer were well trained and very professional when it comes to killing. Please see the photo 4.
Thai Authorities said the two Myanmar boys were using the spade by killing the couple is totally wrong by looking at above mentioned fact.
The whole world knows that Thai Authorities are really under table and corrupt from Thai Underground business man with the help of Mafia. They had hidden the true and fact. The Police arrested two Myanmar migrant workers living and working on Koh Tao irregularly (without documents) and made the public believe them as a murderers and convicted rapist. So far, even Thai people could not be convinced.
Even thought CCTV from the nearest store which captured that the two accused murder boys were a few meters away from the accident scene, we still believe that the arrested Myanmar boys are not involved in this murdered case and rape.
All in all, please take a careful consideration above mentioned fact. We, Myanmar people are very humble and law abiding citizen, especially when we are in foreign country. “ Where is justice? Please Do something right as Crime doesn’t pay”
Whatever the allegations about confessions, found phones, CCTV etc etc etc. This matter remains very simple on DNA alone. There are two aspects to the DNA, the profile obtained from Semen which was recovered from the poor girls body at the Post Mortem. This would be from swabs taken by the Forensic Psathologist and sealed in files sent to the Forensic Science Laboritory. It was the Scientists that produce the profile ( not the Police ) I hope it is widely accepted its impossible for Police to have the offenders Semen at that stage, or any stage, profile was done in Thailand and Singapore we are told. The important part is the DNA from the two suspects…. if anybody wants to say they are not guilty then simply take a mouth swab ( saliva ) and have it examined for a DNA profile at another Laboratory chosen by defence. Simple and easy. If the match is the same all the conspiracy theories are out of the window, and whether oppression was used to gain confessions is irrelevant to the truth of who raped and killed. I was a detective for 30 years and anybody who understands DNA knows this is all very simple.
I feel terribly sorry for these two poor burmese guys. It's obvious that they did not do it and Thai police just covered up to protect their tourism. These two burmese guys are only 20 when the crimes happened. I myself also a migrant and first thing migrants will not do anything relate with any crimes in order to survive and working in an foreign country. It's local thais did it and they blamed it on burmese guys because they can't do anything and nobody can back up for them. I had tearing for this two poor burmese guys. Seems like their time is coming to end. And there is nothing they can prove their innocent and they will die as guilty murders. Can God help them please! Please prove they didn't do it.