Family's tribute to murdered backpacker

Kirsty Jones' parents spoke of their pride in their "wonderful" daughter

The parents of murdered backpacker Kirsty Jones have paid tribute to their daughter whose dream of travelling the world ended in tragedy in Thailand.

Glyn and Sue Jones spoke after the 23-year-old was buried at St Bilo's Church, Llanfilo, near Brecon in mid Wales - three miles from the Tredomen farm where she grew up.

The graduate had loved travelling and was three months into a two-year round-the-world trip when she was discovered murdered in a guesthouse in northern Thailand.

In a statement, the couple said: "Kirsty was a wonderful daughter who lived life to the full and we miss her terribly.

'Beacon of hope'

"But she loved to travel and she made friends all over the world. Her spirit, her zest for life and her love will always live with us.

"The love, friendship and good humour that makes us so proud of Kirsty should act as an inspiration for all kindred spirits who want to travel.

"Above all, her simple decency that left its mark on all those she met should remain in our memories as a beacon of hope for all that is good in the world."

Kirsty Jones was found raped and strangled, shortly after returning to the Aree Guesthouse in Chiang Mai at around midnight on 10 August.

The police investigation is now focusing on one main suspect - the 47-year-old manager of the Aree Guesthouse, Surin Chanpranet.

He is still in custody as police await the results of a second set of blood and DNA tests.

An inquest in Brecon on Monday recorded a verdict of unlawful killing.