SURAT THANI — The head of Thailand's Central Institute of
Forensic Science will testify in defense of two Burmese men accused of
killing two British backpackers in southern Thailand last year.
Judges ruled on Friday to add an additional day to the trial to
allow for CIFS director Pornthip Rojanasunand to take the witness stand
at Koh Samui Provincial Court on 11 September.
Pornthip’s appearance was requested by the defendants’ lawyers
because her agency, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry
of Justice, is re-examining several pieces of forensic evidence from the
case that have only been tested privately by police. Pornthip is
well-known in Thailand for disagreeing with police in several
high-profile cases.
Four items collected from the crime scene on Koh Tao's Sairee
beach, including the garden hoe believed to be used in the murder, have
already been sent to the CIFS for a second examination. On Thursday, the
court learned that solutions containing DNA traces taken from the
victims’ bodies may also be available for a re-test.
Defense lawyer Nakhon Chompuchat said his team is still discussing which additional evidence to send to the forensic institute.
"We want to consult with Dr. Pornthip first," Nakhon told Khaosod English on friday.
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