August 28, 2008
Bangkok - Akradet Tankae was jailed for life for murdering a Swedish tourist in Phuket, according to a court official.
The provincial court yesterday gave its verdict against 31-year-old Akradet who killed Hanna Charlotta Backlund, 27 in March.
"He was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison," an official said.
Backlund was stabbed to death on March 15 after leaving her holiday bungalow for a swim on the remote beach of Mai Khao in the north of the island, according to AFP.
It was reported Akradet approached her from behind, demanding sex and threatening her with a knife.
He stabbed her more than 20 times when she resisted.
Akradet handed himself in as his parents told him to after fleeing to Myanmar right away after the crime.
Giving himself up to the police in Ranong on March 19, he admitted killing Backlund.
Akradet is a sea gypsy, part of a nomadic community that wanders across Thai and Myanmar islands in the Andaman Sea.
