A Thai diplomat has been summoned to the Foreign Office over concerns about the country's investigation into the murders of two British backpackers.
Foreign minister Hugo Swire took the step amid fears over Thai authorities' handling of the deaths of Hannah Witheridge,23, and David Miller, 24.
Mr Swire told Thai charge d'affaires Nadhavathna Krishnamra of his "real concern" after two Burmese workers were charged with the killings and paraded in front of cameras having apparently made confessions - before reportedly later withdrawing them.
The men, named in reports as bar workers Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun, are accused of the brutal murders of Miss Witheridge, from Great Yarmouth, and Mr Miller, from Jersey, on the paradise island of Koh Tao in September.
The two suspects, both 21, were charged with three offences - conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to rape and robbery. But later reports - denied by the Thai police - suggested that a Burmese embassy official had formally retracted their confessions amid allegations the pair were tortured.
Following Mr Krishnamra's meeting with Mr Swire today, the Foreign Office said in a statement: "Mr Swire stressed that there was a real concern in the UK about how the investigation has been handled by the Thai authorities. He said that it was crucial for the investigation to be conducted in a fair and transparent way.
"Mr Swire emphasised how important it was that the UK and Hannah and David's families received regular updates on the investigation's progress. He also noted his concern about the way that the police had engaged with the media on the case and reiterated that the UK police stood ready to assist with the investigation and subsequent legal process."
Earlier this month, Mr Swire spoke to Thailand's deputy prime minister Tanasak Patimapragorn about the case.
