Thai murder police inept, inquest told

The murder of a Peterborough businessman in Thailand may never be solved, an inquest heard on Friday.

The Thai police investigation into the death of 35-year-old Andrew Palmer was inept and lacked professionalism, coroner Gordon Ryall heard.

He recorded a verdict of unlawful killing after hearing that seven years on police were still no closer to finding who was responsible.

The inquest heard Mr Ryall died at his flat in Pattaya from a single bullet wound to the head.

An investigation by Cambridgeshire Police saw Andrew as a determined, maybe ruthless man conducting business in a part of the world where human life is cheap Det Supt Dick Harrison

Mr Palmer's adopted son Rous Vhadtna, then 16, was originally arrested for the murder in May 1996 but later released without charge.

A business associate of Mr Palmer's, Mark Gillman, was also arrested and later released without charge.

An investigation by Cambridgeshire Police earlier this year found neither man was responsible for the murder.

Neither Mr Vhadtna nor Mr Gillman attended the inquest.

Detective Superintendent Dick Harrison from Cambridgeshire Police said the Thai investigation was "inept and lacked professionalism."

He said the murder scene was not searched properly.

Mr Palmer's brother Graham and his father found the discarded bullet case at the scene not far from where the body had been found.

Business associate

"We think he was murdered by someone close to him. More than likely a business associate," Mr Harrison.

"An investigation by Cambridgeshire Police saw Andrew as a determined, maybe ruthless man conducting business in a part of the world where human life is cheap."

He said Thai police seemed intent on laying the blame squarely on Mr Vhadtna.

"The answer clearly lies in Thailand. There's nothing in my view that can be done now," he added.

At the inquest Mr Ryall said to Mr Palmer's brother Graham: "I do give my sympathies on your brother's death and it's sad we know how he died and where he died but are not able to find out who is responsible."