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Two held for murder of travel agent
A 34-year-old man suspected of riding the getaway motorcycle in the murder of travel agent Michelle Smith has reportedly been arrested and is being brought to Phuket for questioning.
A second man is also in custody awaiting further investigation.
Earlier police issued arrest warrants for two suspects in the murder of the Perth travel agent and posted a reward for information leading to their capture
Mrs Smith, 60, was fatally stabbed during a bungled bag snatch outside the Katathani Phuket Beach Resort in Phuket where she was staying with 10 travel agents from Perth.
The investigation into Mrs Smith’s murder was stepped up after Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra expressed her concern at the death of the travel agent.
A reward of 300,000 baht ($9670) has been offered to anyone providing information leading to the arrest of the men who attacked Mrs Smith and one of her companions,
Tammee Lynn, 42, was also hurt in the attack and required hospital treatment.
Tourist Police Division commander, Major General Adis Ngamchitsuksri said at a weekend media conference, "We have a problem. "By its very nature tourism is about having fun, enjoying a holiday so reports on violent crime send the wrong message and we have to correct the situation and beef up security at all spots where tourists gather."
UPDATE: The two men under investigation have been charged with murder. Phuket police say the pair have "confessed" to the crime.
by Ian Jarrett
Ian Jarrett
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