Thai police announced Sunday the arrest of a Thai man for the confessed murder of a Swiss tourist whose body was found near a waterfall on the resort island of Phuket. The body of Nicole Sauvain-Weisskopf, 57, was discovered face down on Thursday. Shorts, sneakers and a cell phone were found near the victim.
The latter, who was traveling alone, had arrived in Phuket on July 13 as part of a so-called “litter box” scheme, which allows fully vaccinated foreign travelers to stay on the island without quarantining themselves, and then go elsewhere on the island. country after 14 days. Deputy National Police spokesperson Kissana Phathanacharoen said the suspect was Theerawut Tortip, 27.
During a press conference, in which the latter participated by telephone with his lawyer, Theerawut Tortip said that he stole 300 baht (7.60 euros) after strangling Nicole Sauvain-Weisskopf. “I would like to apologize to the tourist’s family and beg all Thais to apologize,” he added.
Police Major General Nantadej Yoinual, who runs the southern region, said Theerawut Tortip confessed during questioning. He explained that the investigation dates back to the man thanks to surveillance cameras. A legal adviser from the Swiss embassy thanked the Thai police for their efforts. “The victim, the victim’s family and all Thais deserve a speedy clarification of this crime,” he added.