– Reuters pic, July 8, 2015.The high-profile trial of two Myanmar migrants charged with killing two British holidaymakers opened Wednesday on the holiday island of Koh Samui, in a grim case that has tarnished Thailand’s reputation as a tourist haven.
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British tourists David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, were murdered in 2014 on Koh Tao, or Turtle Island, a popular tourist destination in southern Thailand.
Spots of blood were on the rocks, he added, and the two bodies were 12 metres apart and almost naked.
From the start, investigating police faced a variety of criticism, including their failure to secure the crime scene and releasing several names and pictures of suspects who turned out to be innocent.
The first policeman arrived on the scene described getting a call at 6.30am that morning informing him two bodies had been found on the beach.
The pair could face the death penalty if found guilty.
Following widespread attention, the case has been called a test for Thailand’s justice system and its treatment of migrant labourers.
“I found a man’s body lying on the beach with seawater lapping his body”, said Lt Jakrapan Kaewkao, a prosecution witness.
Miller’s beaten body was found in shallow surf while Witheridge’s was located slightly further up the beach.
Both bodies showed signs of physical assault and Miss Witheridge appeared to have been sexually assaulted, he told the court.
Witnesses from Koh Tao who knew the defendants and could give explanations of events that would help free them from the lawsuits refused to testify in the court.
Verdicts are not expected for three months.
The defence team also complain they have not been given access to the forensic evidence, despite the court initially ruling in April that they could run their own independent tests.
He also said the rocks were spotted with blood.
However, a short time after being detained the pair retracted their confessions, claiming they were abused and threatened by interrogators.
During Wednesday’s hearing at Koh Samui criminal court, Lin and Zaw Htun’s defense team told the judge that there were discrepancies between DNA testing by Thai police and that done by a team of police officers from the United Kingdom.
“Over the coming weeks we hope to gain a better understanding as to how such a wonderful young man lost his life in such idyllic surroundings in such a awful way”, they said.
Both of the victims’ families have said they are hopeful for a fair and transparent trial.
Ms Witheridge’s family said: “Hannah was a attractive person, inside and out, she brought a room alive just being there”.
“She was fun, honest and loved life”.
In a statement, Hannah parents Tony and Sue, brother Paul and sisters Tania and Laura said they want to see justice for “the brutal murder of our precious girl”. “We have borne our thoughts in silence as we have not wanted to influence any court proceedings, but simply want to see justice done fairly and openly”.
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The victims families have travelled to Koh Samui, a nearby island where the trial will take place.
