Thailand investigates allegations of corruption and harassment by sister of British backpacker raped and murdered on Koh Tao
Laura Witheridge wrote on Facebook that court officials had asked her family: “Why are you so bothered? Just go home and make another one.”
Thailand has conducted a preliminary investigation into allegations made by the sister of the murdered backpacker Hannah Witheridge that court officials made insensitive remarks to her family during a year-long investigation and trial.
Laura Witheridge said in a lengthy Facebook post on Monday that court officials had asked her family: “Why are you so bothered? Just go home and make another one.” The post was later heavily edited and then removed following media interest.
The post also claimed that “the vast majority of the Thai police are corrupt” and suggested that her sister’s killer was still free.
Why are you so bothered? Just go home and make another one
A spokesperson for the court of justice said in a statement there was “deep concern” over allegations “implicating that inappropriate remarks were made on the death of Miss Hannah Witheridge by judges and court officials at the trial”.
“The office of the judiciary has promptly conducted a preliminary investigation,” the spokesperson said. “Throughout the trial, neither complaint nor any improper conduct was brought up for an immediate action to be taken ... Moreover, all judges and court officials are consciously aware of the rights of the victim and her family afforded by law.”
Meanwhile, Thai media reported that the national police chief, Chakthip Chaijinda, had said the police’s legal and foreign affairs units were examining whether Laura Witheridge had broken any laws. Defamation in Thailand is a criminal offence.
