Thai Murder Probe Criticized

allegedly beaten and threatened with electrocution after refusing to confess to the murders during a police interrogation. Several other Myanmar migrant workers on Koh Tao who were among those questioned by Thai authorities also alleged police abuse.

Prisoners Released

A small number of political prisoners were among thousands of people granted amnesty by the Myanmar government in October.

A statement by the President’s Office, released on Oct. 7, announced that 3,073 prisoners would be granted freedom on account of their “good manners” and in accordance with the Constitution.

The Thai police investigation into the murders of two British tourists on Koh Tao in southern Thailand in September was roundly criticized after allegations emerged of the torture and illtreatment of Myanmar suspects.

Two Myanmar migrants, Ko Zaw Lin and Ko Win Zaw Htun, are suspected of murdering Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, on Koh Tao in Thailand’s Surat Thani province on Sept. 15. Their pre-trial hearing began on 14 October.

The two migrants were

In a statement released on Oct. 7, London-based rights group Amnesty International called on Thai authorities to “ensure an independent and thorough investigation into mounting allegations of torture and other ill-treatment by the police, and respect the right to a fair trial” for the two Myanmar suspects.

President U Thein Sein reportedly asked for “justice and fairness” in handling the case during his meeting with Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chanocha in Naypyitaw on Oct. 9. — Saw Yan Naing, Kyaw Kha and Reuters

Among the thousands released were 3,015 Myanmar nationals and 58 foreigners, the statement said.

The release came just over a month before Myanmar hosts a summit of leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations that US President Barack Obama and other world leaders are expected to attend.

At least three political prisoners were among those released as well as at least eight former highranking military intelligence officials jailed after a 2004 purge that followed the ousting of former spy chief Khin Nyunt by then-Snr.-Gen. Than Shwe.

The Myanmar group, Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, said about 73 political prisoners are believed to still be in detention. —

Zarni Mann and Reuters