Two tourists found dead on Thai beach
Two British tourists have been found dead on a beach in southern Thailand following a “gruesome” attack.
Thai police described the two as a 23-year-old woman from Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, and a 24-year-old man from Jersey.
Their bodies were discovered early on Monday on Koh Tao, a small island known for its diving sites and serene beaches.
A bloodied hoe was found near the bodies and is believed to have been used as the murder weapon, police chief Prachum Ruangthong said.
“The man was chopped in the back and on the side of his head, while the woman was chopped in her face,” he said.
“It’s very gruesome.”
Police said they had no immediate suspects and are checking CCTV cameras at nearby restaurants, hotels and shops in search of the attackers.
Investigators are also looking for witnesses who might know if the pair attended a nearby late-night beach party.
Local media reported that outraged residents of the island, which is home to about 2,000 people and relies on its tourist industry, had blockaded its piers to help police prevent the killers from escaping.
The attack came amid government efforts to revive Thailand’s tourism industry after a military coup in May ended prolonged, sometimes violent political protests.
Martial law remains in effect.
