The families of two British tourists murdered in Thailand said evidence against Myanmar migrants accused of the crime is convincing, in statements supportive of a much-criticised police investigation.
Migrant workers Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun are accused of murdering David Miller, 24, and raping and murdering Hannah Witheridge, 23, in the Thai diving resort of Koh Tao in September.
The defendants, both aged 21, are due to enter a plea in the trial on Monday, according to prosecutors on the island of Koh Samui where the case will be heard.
In statements released through Britain's Foreign Office, the victims' families said they had seen strong evidence against the suspects and expressed confidence in the case.
British detectives travelled to Thailand to review the police investigation into the murders after widespread criticism of blunders such as allowing reporters to trample over the crime scene.
Rights groups also raised concerns over the case after the two suspects retracted confessions they had made to the crime, and said they had been tortured.
Yesterday, the family of Mr Miller criticised "increasing sensationalism of this story" and said that "speculation" should be suspended until all evidence is made public.
The suspects' families and legal team say they are innocent and have been made scapegoats of a crime by police keen to find a quick resolution.
The events have further damaged Thailand's image as a tourist haven after months of political protests led to an army coup in May and the imposition of martial law.
