Thai PM apologises for ‘bikini’ insult
Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has made an official apology for inappropriate remarks he made following the murders of two British tourists in Koh Tao.
He suggested that tourists in bikinis were vulnerable to attack, unless they were unattractive.
"They [tourists] think our country is beautiful and is safe so they can do whatever they want, they can wear bikinis and walk everywhere," he was quoted as saying to government officials.
"Can they be safe in bikinis … unless they are not beautiful?"
But at a press conference today he apologised for the remarks, saying: "I’m sorry that it hurt people."
Police are still investigating the murders of Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, whose bodies were found on a beach in the early hours of Monday.
Two British men, brothers Christopher and James Ware who were friends of the deceased, were questioned earlier this week but police said there was no evidence linking them to the murder.
They also said that there were no DNA matches for a group of Burmese suspects also being questioned.
Forensic tests carried out on Ms Witheridge’s body found traces of semen from two different men.
Post-mortem examinations showed she died from head wounds and Mr Miller from severe blows to the head and drowning. He also had wounds on his hands, which suggests a struggle had taken place.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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