Thailand | Convicted Burmese migrant workers appeal for reduction in sentence terms

Koh Tao Island has long been an ideal destination for backpackers, avid divers and more increasingly Myanmar migrant workers. Located some 400km away from Bangkok, the small island has earned a reputation of being the best spot for viewing sea turtles, whale sharks and other wildlife.

But in the past decade the island has become synonymous with a series of crimes, particularly the brutal murders of British backpackers, Hannah Witheridge and David Miller who were found dead on Sairee beach in September 2014.

2 Myanmar migrant workers, Win Zaw Tun and Zaw Lin were arrested and given the death penalty for the murders shortly after the bodies were found. However, Myanmar authorities and human rights leaders called for an appeal against the case, as the 2 men have insisted their innocence.

Appeal for reduction of life sentence

Two Burmese migrant workers have appealed for reducing their life sentence terms in a case of murder that occurred at Koh Tao island of Thailand.

The convicted individuals namely Win Zaw Tun and Zaw Lin, both hailing from Rakhine State, requested Nakhon Chomphuchat from the Lawyers Council of Thailand for necessary initiatives.

The Burmese interpreter and Nakhon Chomphuchat, who has been assisting the convicted Burmese nationals since the beginning of court procedures, recently visited Win and Zaw on 29 November in the jail.

Win and Zaw urged the lawyer to pursue the case, stated U Htoo Chit, executive director of the Foundation for Education and Development (FED) which is based in Thailand. He has posted the information on his social media page.

"They have appealed to the lawyers to seek a reduction in their life sentence terms under the Thai amnesty procedure," he added.

He also stated that both Win and Zaw have shown good health and mental strength.

Win is a resident of Kar Hpi Chaung village and Zaw hails from Mi Chaung Yae Thauk village under Kyauk Phyu township.

After spending over nine years behind bars, they have made themselves comfortable with the surroundings. They can now speak Thai language fluently.

Htoo Chit also mentioned that both Win and Zaw had requested for an opportunity to meet their family members. However, they admitted that due to the current political situation in Myanmar, the family members may not be able to reach Thailand.

The duo faced charges of murder, rape, and theft in Koh Samui provincial court of Thailand. These charges are related to the murder of two British nationals namely David Miller and Hannah Witheridge at Koh Tao island in Surat Thani province of southern Thailand in September 2014.

On 24 December 2015, the Koh Samui provincial court sentenced both of them to the death penalty for the murder. They were also sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping Hannah Witheridge, two years for theft, one and a half years for staying overnight, six months for illegally entering Thailand, and another six months for illegally residing in the country.

On 14 August 2020, the Thai king granted clemency and converted the death penalty to life imprisonment.

Source: narinjara.com, Staff, December 9, 2023

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