This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/16/thailand-beach-murders-families-pay-tribute

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Thailand beach murders: families pay tribute to British tourists Thailand beach murders: families pay tribute to British tourists
(about 5 hours later)
The families of two British tourists murdered on an island in Thailand have paid tribute to them as police continue to search for their killer. The families of two British tourists murdered in Thailand have paid tribute to them as police continue to seek their killer.
David Miller, 24, from Jersey, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, from Great Yarmouth, were found with several deep wounds on a beach on Koh Tao. David Miller, 24, from Jersey, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, from Great Yarmouth, were found on a beach on the island of Koh Tao with several deep wounds.
Miller's family said he was "hard-working, bright and conscientious" and would be "sorely, sorely missed", while Witheridge's family said she was "a beautiful, intelligent, loving young woman who poured joy into the lives of all who knew her". Miller's family said he was "hard-working, bright and conscientious" and would be "sorely, sorely missed". Witheridge's family said she was "a beautiful, intelligent, loving young woman who poured joy into the lives of all who knew her".
The pair are believed to have travelled separately to the island, which is popular with backpackers. Police said on Monday that a bloodied garden hoe used in the attack and bloodstained clothes were found near the bodies. Miller and Witheridge are thought to have met while staying at the same hotel.The pair are believed to have travelled separately to the island, which is popular with backpackers. Police said on Monday that a bloodied garden hoe used in the attack and bloodstained clothes were found near the bodies. Miller and Witheridge are thought to have met while staying at the same hotel.
More than 70 Thai police officers have been questioning migrant workers and tourists on the island, visiting hotels, bars, homes and businesses as they search for the killer.
Images released from CCTV cameras appear to show the two victims leaving a bar and walking hand in hand.
Police said a man of Asian appearance pictured in a later image was considered a prime suspect, but said they were following several leads.
Miller's family said: "David was an artist by temperament, so talented. He had a creative eye that he carried with him through life and in his degree. He was hard-working, bright and conscientious, with everything to look forward to."Miller's family said: "David was an artist by temperament, so talented. He had a creative eye that he carried with him through life and in his degree. He was hard-working, bright and conscientious, with everything to look forward to."
In a statement released by the Foreign Office, the family added: "David was very giving to his family and friends and we all adored him. He will be sorely, sorely missed."In a statement released by the Foreign Office, the family added: "David was very giving to his family and friends and we all adored him. He will be sorely, sorely missed."
Miller finished studying civil and structural engineering in June at Leeds University, where he was on course to achieve a first-class degree. He left Jersey on 18 July for a six-week work placement as part of a scholarship at a mining company in Australia before travelling to Thailand for a break with a close friend. Miller finished studying civil and structural engineering in June at Leeds University, where he was on course to achieve a first class degree. He left Jersey on 18 July for a six-week work placement at a mining company in Australia as part of a scholarship before travelling to Thailand for a break with a close friend.
He had been due to leave the country on Tuesday and was looking forward to spending more time travelling in south-east Asia before returning home to complete his master's degree, his family said.He had been due to leave the country on Tuesday and was looking forward to spending more time travelling in south-east Asia before returning home to complete his master's degree, his family said.
Witheridge's family said: "She was selfless and caring and made each and every day that little bit more wonderful. Our family are utterly devastated and shocked by what has happened to our beautiful Hannah. To lose her in the way that we have is beyond comprehension.Witheridge's family said: "She was selfless and caring and made each and every day that little bit more wonderful. Our family are utterly devastated and shocked by what has happened to our beautiful Hannah. To lose her in the way that we have is beyond comprehension.
"We are heartbroken and no words can possibly describe how we feel. As such, we would be extremely grateful to be left in peace while we come to terms with our loss." "We are heartbroken and no words can possibly describe how we feel.
More than 70 Thai police officers have been questioning migrant workers and tourists on the island, visiting hotels, bars, homes and businesses as they search for the killer. "As such, we would be extremely grateful to be left in peace while we come to terms with our loss."
Images have been released from CCTV cameras in the area, one of which shows what police said were the two victims walking together hand in hand leaving a bar. Major General Kiattipong Khawsamang said: "Police have collected evidence at the scene, such as a hoe which was used to attack the victims. We also have clothes, shoes that belonged to the victims and other evidence. We are processing it all."
Police said a man pictured in a later image, who looked Asian, was considered a prime suspect, but emphasised they were following several leads. Initial reports suggested that a British backpacker was suspected but police are now focusing on migrant workers.
Major General Kiattipong Khawsamang told reporters: "Police have collected evidence at the scene, such as a hoe, which was used to attack the victims. We also have clothes, shoes that belonged to the victims, as well as other evidence. Now we are processing it all."
Initial reports suggested police were looking for a British backpacker, but police said they were focusing on migrant workers.