Southern Thailand
Migrant Workers Death Sentence for Koh Tao Murders Could be Stayed
The two Myanmar migrants initially confessed to the crime but they later retracted their confessions. Saying that they were forced to give them under torture.
PHOTO: Myanmar migrants Zaw Lin (L) and Wai Phyo (R) are escorted by Thai police
The Thai Bar Council has reported that the death sentence of the Myanmar migrants Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo could be stayed. Lawyers told media that if the Myanmar government sent a request letter for a royal pardon.
The death sentence awarded to two Myanmar migrants may be stayed. —and they could serve a suspended death sentence.
Thai Bar Council and Htoo Chit of FED which helped in the case jointly held press conference at Lotte Hotel in Yangon on September 23rd. Mr. Ratsada Manoo Ratsada from Thai Bar Council which represented the two accused in this murder said; “The clemency application must be submitted to his majesty the king within 60 days. –from the date of conviction so it must be submitted on or before October 28.
“We have already drafted this mercy plea for royal pardon.” Mr. Ratsada Manoo Ratsada told a news briefing.
In the case, two Britons, one male and one female, were murdered on Koh Tao island in September 2014. The two Myanmar migrants, Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun, were arrested. They were charged with illegal entry to Thailand, rape, theft and murder.
The trial lasted over one year and Koh Samui district court sentenced them to death in December 2015.
The two Myanmar migrants initially confessed to the crime but they later retracted their confessions. Saying that they were forced to give them under torture.
Source: BNI Online