News Digest

Thailand beach murders: CCTV image of ‘suspicious man’ released by police

Police have released a CCTV image of the man they want to speak to in connection with the “gruesome” murder of two British tourists in Thailand. The image shows what appears to be an Asian man who police say was acting suspiciously as he left a beach party in Koh Tao. In another photo, the victims - 24-year-old David Miller and 23-year-old Hannah Witheridge - are seen walking hand-in-hand. It was taken in the hours before their bodies were discovered semi-naked on a beach. A bloodstained hoe, believed to be the murder weapon, was found nearby.

We are focusing on migrant workers because of the surrounding witnesses and evidence, including the video footage. We are sweeping hotels, bars, businesses and residences of migrant workers on the beach to find the suspect.

Police Major General Kiattipong Khawsamang

Thai police have reportedly questioned three people in connection with the killings. The manhunt that followed Monday’s discovery originally centred on an apparently British backpacker, but police now believe someone from the migrant worker community could be involved. Officers are examining one man’s clothing after he was found with a handgun. Some 70 officers are now on the island and defence minister Prawit Wongsuwan said police hoped “to make an arrest as soon as possible”.

This should not have happened in Thailand. It will affect our image in the eyes of international countries.

Thai Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha