Bangkok - Two suspects who confessed to the murder of a pair of British tourists on a Thai beach last month were showing possible signs of physical abuse, according to Thailand's human rights commission, a source said on Monday.
An investigation led by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRDC) found the two migrant workers from Myanmar were exhibiting pains consistent with internal injuries, a source close to the commission said, requesting anonymity.
The two earlier confessed to the murders before recanting and alleging that they had been physically abused and threatened by police.
The NHRC now plans to ask authorities to hand over the suspects for a full check-up to determine the cause of the apparent injuries, the source said.
Also on Monday, Thailand's police chief said he welcomed British representatives as “observers” of the island murder investigation.
The investigation was “transparent and follows the guidance of the constitution”, Somyot Poompanmoung told reporters.
British police officers were due to travel to Thailand to assist, amid concerns expressed by British officials that best-practice procedures be applied at every step of the police inquiry.
Thai Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha last week objected to inviting British investigators, but apparently changed his position after meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron at the Asia-Europe summit in Italy on Friday. - Sapa-dpa