January 13, 2009
SURAT THANI – A suspect in murdering a German woman tourist on a tourist-oriented island in the province, famous for its full moon parties, confessed to committing the crime, according to a senior police officer.
Pol. Lt-Gen. Santarn Chayanon, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 8, on Monday announced the arrest of 29-year-old Tiwat Kasemchoke, a Thai male who confessed to killing the 45-year-old German victim on Phangan Island.
Mr. Tiwat, a tattoo artist, admitted that he had strangled Ms. Anstril An Anssad Chavaner to death on Sunday.
According to the suspect, his motive behind the murder was his fury after the victim, whom he said had a close relationship with Mr. Tiwat for over a year, often felt jealous when he talked to other female tourists.
He said he regretted his wrongdoing and apologised to Phangan residents that his action tarnished the image of this tourist island.
Phangan Island has a reputation as a paradise for backpackers, travellers and tourists who love the so-called full moon party held on the beach every month.
