Solved case · 2004
The short answer
British backpackers Adam Lloyd, 25, and Vanessa Arscott, 24, were shot dead in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, on 9 September 2004 following an argument at a restaurant. Off-duty police officer Somchai Wisetsingh was later convicted of both murders.
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Suggest coverage for this caseAdam Lloyd, 25, and Vanessa Arscott, 24, were a British couple backpacking through Thailand for two months. Nearing the end of their trip, they arrived in the tourist town of Kanchanaburi and were staying at the Sugar Cane guesthouse.
On 9 September 2004, the couple were eating at the S & S Restaurant in Kanchanaburi, which was owned by Somchai Wisetsingh, an off-duty police officer. A heated argument broke out during the meal. Lloyd and Arscott left the restaurant but were followed by Wisetsingh, who shot Lloyd and then chased Arscott in his car, running her down before shooting her as well. Lloyd was shot three times and Arscott twice; both were declared dead at the hospital.
Wisetsingh fled immediately after the killings, crossing the border into Burma during a police manhunt. He was returned to Thailand on 7 October 2004 by officers of the Karen National Liberation Army. He initially confessed to the killings but later said the confession had been coerced by police.
At trial, Wisetsingh changed his plea to not guilty and denied committing the murders. He instead blamed a person he described as a drug informant, whom he referred to as "Mr. Ya," claiming this individual had shot the couple while trying to protect his handler. Wisetsingh maintained that his earlier confessions had been made under coercion.
Wisetsingh was convicted of both murders. He was sentenced to two life terms of 50 years each, avoiding the death penalty due to his record as a decorated police officer — he had been named Outstanding Policeman of the Year for his district on several occasions — and because of his initial confession to police. The presiding judge subsequently revised the sentence to one life term and a separate term of 33 years and four months.
Lloyd's parents have expressed concern that Wisetsingh may not serve his full sentence, having been advised that prisoners in Thailand can have sentences reduced for reasons including good behaviour, royal birthdays, the death of the monarch, the coronation of a new king, or the birth of an heir — each of which can result in life sentences being halved. The Bangkok Post reported in 2015 that Wisetsingh had been transferred from a top-security facility in Bangkok to a prison in his hometown of Kanchanaburi.
Adam Lloyd and Vanessa Arscott are shot dead in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, following an argument at the S & S Restaurant.
Somchai Wisetsingh is returned to Thailand from Burma by officers of the Karen National Liberation Army after fleeing following the killings.
The Bangkok Post reports that Wisetsingh has been transferred from a top-security prison in Bangkok to a prison in his hometown of Kanchanaburi.
Victims first. Every legal label is set from public records and court outcomes, not from the prose.
British backpacker, aged 25, shot dead in Kanchanaburi, Thailand on 9 September 2004.[3]
British backpacker, aged 24, run down by car and shot dead in Kanchanaburi, Thailand on 9 September 2004.[3]
Off-duty Thai police officer and restaurant owner convicted of both murders; sentenced to one life term and one term of 33 years and four months.[3]
From the record
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