PHUKET, June 27 – Phuket provincial police commander said on Wednesday that the police will oppose any bail bid if sought by the two men detained as suspects in last week’s murder of an Australian travel agent in this southern resort island.
Phuket provincial police commander Pol Maj-Gen Chonsit Wattanawarangkul said the case must be conducted cautiously and be fair to all parties, but initially the police will oppose any granting of bail.
Gen Chonsit said the National Police Bureau has also asked local police to conclude investigation and evidence collection inn the murder of the Australian travel agent within 15 days so that the case can proceed in court as soon as possible in an attempt to restore confidence among foreign tourists.
Police early this week arrested two men, Surasak Suwannachote, 26, and Surin Thatthong, 37, suspected of robbing and stabbing Michelle Elizabeth Smith, 60, and severely wounding her companion, Tammee Lee Lynn, 42, on June 20 in the compound of the Katathani Phuket Beach Resort.
Phuket police reportedly sought a provincial court order to extend the two men detention for 48 hours for further investigation.
The two men were charged with attempting a robbery at night using weapons, leading to injuries and death, carrying weapons in public areas without reason or permission, as well as together killing another person.
