Trial of Brit’s killer to begin in December

KRABI: The Krabi Provincial Court will begin hearing testimony in the murder trial of motorcycle taxi driver Uthane Douangnoi in December.

Uthane is accused of murdering Briton Richard Mark Collins on March 8 last year (see earlier story here).

A clerk at the Krabi Provincial Court told the Gazette today that the hearing would likely carry on well into 2007.

Uthane admits that he stabbed Mr Collins, but argues that he was acting in self-defense.

According to a statement given to police by Uthane’s former common-law wife, Sunisa Sirirod, Uthane fought with Mr Collins because he mistakenly thought the Briton was romantically involved with her.

Uthane is currently free on bail and was last reported to be working still as a motorcycle taxi driver in Krabi Town.