Tourists in Thailand 'to be issued with identification wristbands'

tourists to be issued with wristbands in thailand
tourists to be issued with wristbands in thailand



Identification wristbands are to be handed out to tourists in Thailand following the murder of two British backpackers this month, the country's tourism minister has said.

Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul announced on Tuesday that the wristbands could be electronically tracked on Thailand's islands.

According to Reuters, she has already contacted hotels about the idea of giving the bands out to holidaymakers to help identify any foreigners who get lost or into trouble.

Speaking to Reuters, Wattanavrangkul said: "When tourists check-in to a hotel they will be given a wristband with a serial number that matches their I.D. and shows the contact details of the resort they are staying in so that if they're out partying late and, for example, get drunk or lost, they can be easily assisted."

"The next step would be some sort of electronic tracking device but this has not yet been discussed in detail."

The Australian reports that she admitted the scheme will not be welcomed by everyone and "some hotels are concerned that tourists may not want to wear the wristbands".

Another idea proposed was a "buddy system," where tourists would travel around destinations with a local minder.

Wattanavrangkul said that party curfews for islands and restricting where beach parties are held were also being considered.

Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, were found murdered on a beach on the island of Koh Tao on 15 September.

Witheridge died from severe head wounds and Miller died from drowning and blows to the head.

Thai police said they believe Witheridge was raped by two of her killers.

Lieutenant General Panya Mamen told the Bangkok Post: "Two of the suspects raped and killed Witheridge while another one witnessed the murder.

"We're confident we have a very high chance of finding the suspects."

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