Thai PM says sorry after beach deaths 'bikini' comment

This morning Thai Foreign Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn released a sincere-sounding message of condolence on behalf of the people of Thailand.

Here’s a short extract: “I have learned with profound regret and sadness of the deaths of two British nationals, Ms Hannah Witheridge and Mr David William Miller, on Koh Tao on 15 September, 2014.”

He adds that the security and wellbeing of tourists is of the utmost concern: “I wish to reassure you that the royal Thai government attaches highest priority of protecting safety of foreign nationals resigning and visiting Thailand.”

The fact that the general had to release this message has everything to do with an off-the-cuff remark made by another general – turned prime minister – who happens to run Thailand’s military government.

Read more: Thai beach deaths – police focus on Burmese community

In comments addressed to government officials in Bangkok, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said foreigners visiting the country think “they can do whatever they want, wear bikinis wherever they like … (but) will they be safe?”

“Can they be safe in bikinis,” he asked, “unless (the tourists) are not attractive?”

His comments were seen by many in Thailand – and abroad – as an attempt to blame the victims of the crime as well as the perpetrators and late this afternoon, he said he was sorry.

“I apologise that I have spoken too harshly … I didn’t mean to criticise or look down on anyone. Today I can guarantee that Thailand is still safe … I wanted to warn (the tourists) to be careful.”

Whatever the intention, his remarks were insensitive and widely quoted on the day that Hannah’s distraught relatives arrived in Bangkok. They were escorted into national police headquarters for a briefing on the investigation.

Later, British Consul Michael Hancock told reporters that “the family are deeply distressed… and obtaining information directly from the police has been good for them (as) they are very distressed by what they are seeing in the media.”

Read more: Thai beach deaths – British brothers questioned

As for that information, well, Thai detectives have not managed to pinpoint a suspect or group of suspects.

DNA taken from the murder scene indicated the presence to different two men, but police were unable to match the evidence with anyone on their current list of suspects.

In light of this development, two British brothers, Christopher and James Ware, were allowed to leave Thailand on Thursday.

The Ware brothers travelled with David Miller and shared a room with him on Koh Tao at the Ocean View Bungalows hotel.

Neither of the Wares was declared a suspect in the investigation, but they had been interviewed and asked to remain on the island by Thai police.

Police have also done DNA tests on three cigarette butts and strands of blond hair found in Witheridge’s hand, but those tests do not seem to have narrowed down the list of suspects.

Earlier, a provincial police commander said every “group” remained under suspicion. It was a way of saying that anyone on the island last Sunday night – Thais, foreigners and Burmese migrants – remain theoretically at least, under suspicion.

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