Thailand expects intact relations with Myanmar

BANGKOK, December 28 (TNA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that an ongoing protest by some Myanmar people against the death sentence on two Myanmar migrant workers who were found guilty of murdering two British tourists on Koh Tao, or Tao Island, off Surat Thani Province in the Thai South last year should not affect Thai-Myanmar relations. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Sek Wannamethee told journalists on Sunday that Myanmar authorities have stepped up security measures to protect the Thai Embassy in Yangon, a venue of the ongoing demonstration by the Myanmar protesters, and Thai people there, while the Thai government has guaranteed justice in the murder case. The spokesman said that Myanmar authorities would reportedly inform their people that the death sentence could be appealed against, while the Thai Embassy in Yangon denied reports that Myanmar people were provoked into staging the protest. Meanwhile, the Thai Embassy in Yangon has closed its consular section during December 28-30, 2015 due to the prolonged demonstration by the Myanmar protesters. On December 24, the Samui provincial court sentenced the two Myanmar migrant workers, Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun, both aged 22, to death for murdering two British tourists, David Miller and Hannah Witheridge, both 24 years old, on Sai Ree Beach of Koh Tao in Surat Thani's Koh Pha-ngan District on September 15, 2014. Win Zaw Tun was also found guilty of illegal immigration. (TNA)