The outcome of a prosecution of two robbers for murder in a Thai court was reported in the Herald Sun newspaper of 9 August 2012 at p. 3.

Facts

Mr Suwannachot attempted to rob 60 year old Australian tourist Michelle Smith on Phuket on 20 June 2012. In the course of the robbery she was fatally stabbed in the chest. Mr Suwannachot fled on a motorcycle driven by Mr Toptong.

Trial

Messrs Suwannachot and Toptong pleaded guilty to murder

Determination

By pleading guilty to murder the offenders avoided the death penalty and were instead sentenced to imprisonment for life.