Thailand beach murders: Officials to decide on trial for murders of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller

Burmese workers Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun deny murdering the pair

A court is to decide whether two Burmese men will stand trial over the murder of two British tourists in Thailand earlier this year.

Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun, both 21, stand accused of killing Hannah Witheridge, 23, from Norfolk, and David Miller, 24, from Jersey, on the popular tourist island of Koh Tao on 15 September.

Post-mortem test showed that Mr Miller died from drowning and a blow to the head, while Miss Witheridge died from head wounds.

Officials said the two men, who are both migrant workers, face charges including murder, rape, and robbery which will likely be filed against them on Thursday, BBC News reported.

While the men confessed to the murders, they later retracted their pleas and now both deny the charges – claiming they had been tortured.

If they are found guilty, the suspects could be executed.

Earlier this week, Nakhon Chompuchat, a lawyer for the men, urged those who knew the victims to come forward with information.

Chompuchat said their friends “should know many things” about what happened and could “prove the true situation”.

Officials have faced criticism for how they have dealt with the case. Mr Zaw’s mother was among those concerned by the handling of the deaths, and said her son had been made a “scapegoat.”