The family of a young British woman who was found murdered on a beach in Thailand in 2014 have spoken out against the country's response to their loved one's tragic demise.
The sister of Hannah Witheridge from Norfolk, who had been raped and stabbed to death on the island of Koh Tao almost 18 months ago, took to social media to express her despair at the way in which her family were treated by Thai authorities.
The post, which comes following the recent death of British tourist Luke Miller on the same island, addresses the impact 23-year-old Hannah's death has had on her distraught family and sheds light on Thailand's crime rate.
Opening up to Facebook followers, Laura Witheridge explained that Hannah's death has haunted her, writing; "What if I told you that I am now frightened of my own shadow? That I am constantly looking over my shoulder?"
Her sister's death, which resulted in the imprisonment of two bar workers named Zaw Lin and Wai Pow last month, has deeply affected the young woman, who wrote: "I am exhausted, but frightened to sleep because of the nightmares."
Expressing shock at the way in which police treated Hannah's grieving relatives, Laura revealed that they were subject to statements such as "Why are you so bothered? Just go home and make another one."
According to Hannah's heartbroken sibling, authorities dismissed their concern as theatrics, asking: "Why are you making such a fuss, she will be back in 30 days as something else, she may have better luck next time."
Laura expressed her concern for numerous other families who learned their relative had died on the Thai island, but who were possibly misinformed of the circumstances surrounding their death- something which Laura feels may have happened the Witheridges' had it not been for the "hideous brutality of [Hannah's] passing."
Our hearts go out to Hannah's devastated family as they attempt to come to terms with their loss.
