Myanmar workers convicted of Koh Tao murders hold out hope for clemency

The lawyer for two Myanmar men originally sentenced to die for the murders of two British backpackers said today he is still hopeful they were granted clemency among the king’s many recent pardons and commutations.

Though Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun had their sentences commuted to life earlier this year, defense attorney Nakhon Chompuchat told Coconuts Bangkok that he is still awaiting word on whether they were among the 200,000 convicts to win shortened sentences or 30,000 fully pardoned by King Vajiralongkorn on Sunday in honor of his late father’s birthday.

“I saw their conditions and, at first glance, they are fit to receive more royal clemency,” Nakhon said. “I will send a letter to the Corrections Department for clarity whether they actually got it. Myanmar officials are waiting for a more official source’s answer on this too.”

Attempts to reach the…