British backpackers hacked to death in Thailand

Colonel Prachum Ruangthong said the man and woman were found dead on a rocky beach on Koh Tao, an island in Surat Thani province known for its diving sites and serene beaches. Picture: Wikipedia

The naked bodies of Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, were discovered on the island of Koh Tao close to a bloodstained garden hoe.

Police want to speak to one of Mr Miller’s friends who is believed to have left the island bound for Bangkok.

Both the victims are said to have suffered deep head wounds in the attack, which took place around 100 metres from their respective bungalows in the Ocean View resort.

The Thai authorities said they needed to speak to a British man – who has not been named – as a matter of urgency.

Police had earlier arrested another of Mr Miller’s friends because of injuries he had to his hands. However, the man was released after he gave a “satisfactory explanation”.

Colonel Songsak, who is leading the investigation, said: “Although both bodies were naked, we do not believe the two were boyfriend or girlfriend.

“We wish to interview David Miller’s friend, but we cannot give out his details at this stage. His name has been circulated.”

Police said Mr Miller, from Jersey, and his friends had arrived at the resort on 25 August while Miss Witheridge, from Norfolk, arrived with three friends on

12 September.

Their naked bodies were found in a rocky enclave which separates Sairee beach, the island’s most popular, and another small beach.

According to local media reports, the pair’s bodies were found around 6:20am by a group of workers cleaning the beach. It is thought the pair had attended a beach party the night before.

Police colonel Prachum Ruangthong said: “The man was chopped in the back and on the side of his head, while the woman was chopped in her face. It’s very gruesome.”

Investigators were checking CCTV from local bars, shops and restaurants, and people were prevented from leaving the

island.

According to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), as many as 11 Britons have been murdered in Thailand since 2009. During a 2012-13 new year’s eve party, Londoner Stephen Ashton, 22, was killed in a bar on Haad Rin beach on the Thai island of Koh Phangan – a resort where the FCO warns British travellers to beware “unprovoked attacks by gangs”.

The FCO says such attacks are particularly common around the time of “full moon” parties and generally occur late at night near bars in Haad Rin.

British visitors are also warned that violent assaults and robberies have been reported in the resort town of Chaweng in Koh Samui. Attacks have also occurred in other tourist districts in Thailand including Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Krabi.

The Foreign Office said: “We are aware of the death of two British nationals on 15 September on the island of Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand.

“The embassy are urgently seeking information from the local authorities.”