'THEY SHOULDN'T DIE'
Murdered British backpacker’s parents ‘GRATEFUL’ killers’ death sentences reduced to life in jail
THE parents of a British backpacker murdered in Thailand have said they are "grateful" after their son's killers had their death sentence reduced to life in jail by a royal pardon.
Burmese migrant workers Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun were sentenced to death in 2015 after being found guilty of murdering David Miller, 25, and murdering and raping 23-year-old Hannah Witheridge.
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The bodies of David and Hannah were discovered on a beach on the southern tourist island of Koh Tao in September 2014.
David's parents Ian and Sue Miller have now said they are "grateful" to Thai King Vajiralongkorn for commuting the sentences.
They said in a statement: "We are grateful to His Majesty the King of Thailand for showing his clemency to the murderers of our son David.
"Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo finally admitted to the rape and murder of Hannah Witheridge and the murder of our son.
"The final admittance of their guilt has allowed this act of clemency to become possible."
The killers, both hailing from Burma, had previously denied the crimes.
Nakhon Chompuchat, the lawyer for the pair, confirmed that their sentence will be reduced to life imprisonment following a royal decree published on Friday.
Nakhon said: "The two are eligible under a section in the royal pardon decree to get their death sentences reduced to life imprisonment.
"They will also have a chance to get their sentences reduced further on good behaviour."
The decree said the royal pardons were granted to commemorate the king's birthday on July 28 and to "illustrate the king's clemency".
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It was not clear how many prisoners were eligible for a pardon or reduction of sentence.
Ye Zaw Tun, a brother of Win Zaw Tun, told AFP on Saturday that he was "thankful" to the King following the decree.
He added: "We knew this case was totally unfair, and we sometimes feel bitterness, but we want to say thanks for the royal pardon."
The brother also said the men remained in good health while in jail, but claimed they should be "immediately released".
It comes after the Supreme Court last year dismissed a final appeal from the pair last year - and ruled that the evidence against them was clear.
The high-profile case caused controversy in Thailand amidst allegations from defence lawyers that police mishandled DNA evidence and would not allow an independent analysis of the samples.
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The Royal Decree comes just as Thailand is currently seeing large protests from anti-government groups.
Thousands of people gathered earlier today at Bangkok's Democracy Monument, a traditional venue for political activities, where they heard speeches, watched skits and listened to music.
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Two men, Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo, sentenced to death for murders of British tourists Hannah Witheridge and David Miller in Thailand