Mark McLaughlin
Edinburgh Evening News
July 11, 2009
THE family of a former Lothian high school teacher murdered in Thailand have been told one of his alleged killers has now denied his part in the brutal killing.
David Crisp, 56, a composer and former music teacher, was found stabbed and beaten at his home in the northern Thai capital of Chiang Mai on 22 January.
Police quickly arrested barworker Awoei Yaepiang trying to cross the border into Burma, and a warrant was issued for two of his colleagues. All three were known acquaintances of Mr Crisp.
Following his arrest, Awoei Yaepiang admitted his part in the killing and was photographed demonstrating how one of his accomplices bludgeoned Mr Crisp with a teak vase. Mr Crisp was also found stabbed in the neck.
Police later picked up a second suspect Chatchai Tarasaksit , also known as Mr John, while a third man, known only as Mr Jack, went on the run and was thought to be in hiding in Burma.
At a hearing in the Chang Mai Provincial Court last week Awoei Yaepiang confirmed his guilty plea, while Chatchai Tarasaksit pleaded not guilty in a move which has surprised Mr Crisp's family.
Mr Crisp's brother Andrew said today: "I was initially told that both men had pleaded guilty, but clearly this has changed.
"We have been informed that the man that pleaded not guilty has also been arraigned on a completely separate charge. If he's up on a similar offence [to David's killing] then it's not looking too good for him."
Mr Crisp had initially been told that both of the accused would face the death penalty - a sentence the family would welcome.
However, officials at the British Embassy in Thailand said judges would look favourably on a guilty plea and would be likely to hand Awoei Yaepiang a custodial sentence.
However, the fate of both men is unlikely to be decided until after Chatchai Tarasaksit's murder trial in March 2010.
Mr Crisp added: "Even in Scotland murder trials can take place two to three years later.
"I've been informed that they will be interviewing witnesses in the next few months so arrangements will need to be made for that.
"A machine has been set in motion and it will wind itself through its process, and there's nothing that we can say that will change the circumstances.
"The Thai legal system is not very forthcoming when dealing with people outside of Thailand. Even the friends that we have in Thailand haven't received much information, so the information we have received has been very limited."
Two tribute concerts took place last month in David's honour, both of which featured music that he had composed in his life.
The first was staged by the staff and pupils of Lasswade High on June 19, with a second concert two days later at Canongate Kirk by the Open Orchestra, the group he helped found in 1994.
"That's all of the tributes over with now," added Mr Crisp. "Both of them went well and we're extremely grateful to everyone who came together for David.
"We are currently in negotiations with the Scottish Music Centre about creating a platform to make David's music more permanent."
Mr Crisp added that he has "no intention" of heading out to Thailand to attend the trial.
He said: "Nothing that is said or done will bring my brother back. Nothing will change that. I've got better things to do."
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