Koh Tao murder suspects plead not guilty

Koh Tao murder suspects plead not guilty

Two Myanmar men accused of killing two British tourists on Koh Tao have pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against them, their lawyer said on Monday.

Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo appear in a Koh Samui courthouse on Monday to hear the charges against them, which include rape and murder. They pleaded not guilty.  (Photo by Supaphong Chaolaen)

The men, Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo, both 21, were taken to court on Koh Samui yesterday to hear the charges that include premeditated murder, rape and theft.

"They pleaded not guilty to all the charges," Thanu Akekachote, a lawyer representing the pair, told Reuters. "It is my understanding the court wants to speed this up given its impact on tourism and international relations."

The bodies of David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, were found on a beach on the southern island of Koh Tao on Sept 15.

Police arrested Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo, who worked on the island, in October, saying DNA taken from the pair matched samples found on the victims.

Prosecutors on Thursday indicted both men on five counts — premeditated murder, killing to conceal a criminal offence, rape, illegal entry into Thailand and staying in the country without permission.

Wai Phyo additionally was indicted for allegedly stealing Miller's mobile phone and sunglasses.

After the Koh Samui Provincial Court read out the charges, the defendants reportedly conferred with their lawyer from the Lawyers Council of Thailand, Nakhon Chomphuchat, for about 10 minutes before denying the counts. 

Deputy chief judge of the Koh Samui Provincial Court Sunawin Suriyapan set Feb 25 for the next hearing to examine evidence and hear from witnesses for both sides.

Mr Nakhon said he is disappointed his clients could not yet refute some of the allegations against them. He did not specify which allegations or why they could not contest them.

"The defendants' legal team is examining their evidence to see how solid it is," Mr Nakhon said.

"The court has advised us that if the defendants' evidence could not refute [the allegations], the defendants should confess, which would be beneficial to both of them."

Judges typically cut the sentences of defendants who confess in half. The charges brought by prosecutors carry penalties up to death.

But Aung Myo Thant, a legal officer at the Myanmar embassy, said he is still confident in the defendants' innocence.

The case, however, will depend on the court's discretion, he said, adding he respects the judge's ruling and the laws of Thailand.

Tun Aye, Myanmar's deputy ambassador to Bangkok, said the embassy plans to submit another bail application for Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo, along with an assurance they will not flee.

The investigation into the murders has been marred by allegations of police incompetence and torture. The suspects said they were beaten and threatened by police, allegations which police deny.

Meanwhile, national police chief Somyot Pumpunmuang said yesterday he will meet British Prime Minister David Cameron to discuss the case.

He is in London this week to attend a conference on human trafficking and online child exploitation.

Pol Gen Somyot said he will hold talks with Mr Cameron and Keith Bristow, director-general of the National Crime Agency, to update them on the prosecution and field questions.

Pol Maj Gen Suwat Jaengyodsuk, deputy chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, who is the chief investigator in the Koh Tao case, is travelling with him.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT