Crime
Thai Man Arrested for the Rape, Murder of German Tourist Mariam Beelte in Chonburi, Thailand
CHONBURI – A 24-year-old Thai man has been arrested for alleged rape and murder of a German tourist, 27, whose body was found covered with dry leaves under rocks on Koh Sichang Island just of the coast of Chonburi Province on Sunday night, was found buried under a pile of rocks and leaves on Koh Sichang yesterday evening.
Police found traces of rape and several potentially fatal injuries, her neck was broken and there were indications she’d been struck with a hard object, probably a rock.
According to police, Ronnakorn confessed to the crime after several hours of interrogation. He told police that he tried to talk to the woman while she was touring the island on a motorcycle yesterday afternoon, but she refused to speak with him.
According to the BangkokPost, the suspect said he saw the victim riding a rented motorcycle on the island. He tried to start a conversation with her, but was rebuffed.
He then followed her to a rock path leading to Phra Chulachomklao mountain and Assadang flagpole, police said, where he raped her. Afraid she might alert police and identify him, he then killed her.
Miss Beelte’s body was taken to Police Hospital in Bangkok for an autopsy.
The Police have notified the German Embassy in Bangkok, who are in contact with the victims family.
Source: Bangkok Post, Khaosod