Crime
Australian Michelle Smith Stabbed to Death in Phuket
Chiangrai Times – Royal Thai Police are hunting two killers who knifed to death Michelle Smith an Australian woman in a bag snatch gone wrong on the island of Phuket.
Michelle Smith, who was inspecting facilities on the resort island with a group of nine other travel agents from Perth, was walking along a street when a motorcycle pulled up beside her and a passenger attempted to take her bag.
Michelle struggled with the man, holding on to her bag before falling to the ground with a fatal stab wound to her heart.
A friend walking with Michelle received a gash to her arm, and the offenders sped off empty-handed.
Police in Thailand are still searching for two men who fatally stabbed a Western Australian travel agent in Phuket, Thailand during a bag snatch.
Thailand tourism authorities have expressed shock at the attack and offered condolences to the family.
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said they were aware of the death of an Australian woman in Thailand and were providing consular assistance to her family.
Her Husband of 35 years Geoff Smith says he is “absolutely devastated” and will never recover from the loss of his life partner.
Mr Smith said he was struggling to comprehend how such a seasoned traveler like his wife had met her end in such tragic circumstances.
“She loved life, she loved traveling. She was a very experienced travel agent. She’d worked in travel for 40 years. It was her passion, it was her life and she’s been to many exotic places around the world.
“There were no boundaries to her horizons.
“For the places she’s been on her own and with escorted tours, I can’t believe it.
“She’s bungee jumped off the Victoria Bridge… she’s been all around Thailand, India, and nothing fazed her”.
Mr Smith said she had no doubt his wife, 60, would have done her utmost to defend herself and keep hold of her bag.
“She would have put up a fight, for sure,” he said. “But it doesn’t seem worth it now.”
Geoff Smith said his daughter Chanelle had made a mercy dash home to Perth, cutting short a work trip in Kalgoorlie this week. His son, Cameron, was also battling to come to terms with the news.
“They are both devastated,” he said. “She was a wonderful mum and we have wonderful children.
“She was a very popular person, she had so many friends.”
Geoff said he had been working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade about the repatriation of his wife’s body from Thailand.