Police hunt killer who raped and strangled British backpacker in Thailand in 2000 with week left

Race against time to find killer who raped and strangled British backpacker at a Thai guest house in 2000 with just days left before 20-year statute of limitations runs out

  • Kirsty Jones, 23, from Tredomen, Powys, was killed during two-year trip
  • Dyfed-Powys Police officers have been to the scene in Chiang Mai to help
  •  Under Thai law, officers only have 20 years to charge someone with an offence

Police have just seven days to find out who killed a Welsh backpacker in Thailand as the 20-year statute of limitations is due to run out.  

Kirsty Jones, 23, from Tredomen, near Brecon in Powys, was raped and strangled at a guesthouse in Thailand while travelling in August 2000. 

Dyfed-Powys Police officers have just one week left before the law expires on August 10.  

Kirsty Jones, 23, pictured, from Tredomen, near Brecon in Powys, was raped and strangled at a guesthouse in Thailand while travelling in August 2000

Kirsty Jones, 23, pictured, from Tredomen, near Brecon in Powys, was raped and strangled at a guesthouse in Thailand while travelling in August 2000

The Liverpool University graduate was three months into a two-year around the world trip when she was killed.  

She was found dead in a room at the Aree guest house in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, 435 miles (700km) north of Bangkok. 

UK officers have been to the scene to help with the investigation. 

The Liverpool University graduate was three months into a two-year around the world trip when she was killed

Ms Jones, a farmer's daughter, had planned a global adventure taking in Asia as well as Australia and New Zealand before finishing in South America

 The Liverpool University graduate was three months into a two-year around the world trip to Asia, Australia, New Zealand and South America when she was killed

Ms Jones, a farmer’s daughter, had planned a global adventure taking in Asia as well as Australia and New Zealand before finishing in South America. 

Under Thai law, officers only have 20 years to charge someone with an offence, according to the BBC.

If convicted, the crime may be punishable by death, or someone could be sentenced to life imprisonment or a 20-year jail term.

Dyfed-Powys Police said its officers had met with investigators in Chiang Mai ‘to obtain information on their investigation, and assist with the forensic examination of exhibits’.

A spokesperson said the police have the statute of limitations ‘firmly in mind’ as investigations continue.

Despite a number of arrests and a £10,000 reward for information, no-one has ever been charged with her murder.

Dyfed-Powys Police officers have just one week to find who killed Ms Jones before the law expires on August 10

Dyfed-Powys Police officers have just one week to find who killed Ms Jones before the law expires on August 10

Ms Jones decided from the age of 14 that she had wanted to take a gap year before going on to university and set off for Australia in 1996.  

After a safe and successful trip, the bright A-level student had fallen in love with travelling.

She completed an English and media studies degree at in 1999 – then spent a year working to fund her next big trip.  

Her mother Sue Jones, pictured right, said the family knew it was 'unlikely much will change' or that 'anyone would come forwards'

Her mother Sue Jones, pictured right, said the family knew it was ‘unlikely much will change’ or that ‘anyone would come forwards’

Her family said they felt no reason to worry second time that she went travelling as was older, wiser and more experienced

In a previous interview, her mother Sue Jones said the family knew it was ‘unlikely much will change’ or that ‘anyone would come forwards’.

‘I just hope we did everything that we could for Kirsty, and that after 20 years she will be able to rest in peace,’ she said.

The former student was found dead in a room at the Aree guest house in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, 435 miles (700km) north of Bangkok

The former student was found dead in a room at the Aree guest house in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, 435 miles (700km) north of Bangkok

source: dailymail.co.uk