Murder of Nicole Sauvain-Weisskopf

The murder of Nicole Sauvain-Weisskopf, a woman of Swiss nationality on holiday in Phuket, Thailand, occurred in August 2021.[1] She was found dead at Ao Yon waterfall, a popular tourist destination, and thought to have been dead 3 days prior to discovery of the corpse. She was found wearing only a t-shirt and jacket and covered by a black tarp. Police have stated there were signs of rape.[2]

Sauvain-Weisskopf had been admitted into Phuket under a pilot programme to not have to undergo quarantine but was not allowed to leave the Phuket area.

Thai police said on 7 August 2021, they had arrested a 27 year old Phuket man for the killing.[3] Theerawut Tortip admitted to police that he stole from her and killed her. He was seen on CCTV footage going to the waterfall at the same time as Sauvain-Weisskopf.[1]

Bio

Sauvain-Weisskopf was admitted into Phuket under the Phuket Sandbox, a pilot programme for allowing tourists into the country. She was a deputy protocol chief of the Federal Assembly of Switzerland in Germany.[4]

Crime

She was wearing shorts and a t-shirt. Terrawat became sexually aroused. He grabbed her in a chokehold and held her head underwater. He dragged her out of the water, stripped her shirt and shorts off. He saw her darkened face and swollen tongue resulting in him losing his erection. He then used black plastic to cover her body. Then he went through her purse and stole Baht 300.[4]

Guilty verdict

Teerawat Thotip was sentenced to death. His death sentence was commuted to life in prison.[4] The attempted rape charge was dismissed. The sentencing was broadcast on Google Meet.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b "Thailand man charged over death of Swiss tourist near waterfall". BBC News. 9 August 2021.
  2. ^ "Minister phones ambassador over Swiss official's murder in Phuket". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2021-08-07.
    "Thailand: Swiss woman found dead at waterfall in Phuket". DW. Retrieved 2021-08-07.
    "Thai officials raise security after Swiss woman found dead". AP News. 2021-08-06. Retrieved 2021-08-07.
    "Swiss woman found dead in Thailand near waterfall". BBC News. 2021-08-06. Retrieved 2021-08-07.
  3. ^ "Thai police arrest suspect in killing of Swiss woman". yahoo!news. Verizon Media. AP Bangkok (The Associated Press). 8 August 2021. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  4. ^ a b c d "Life sentence for murder of Swiss tourist". Bangkok Post.


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