Murdered Australian mum Michelle Smith. Source: PerthNow
THAI police have issued arrest warrants for two suspects in the murder of Perth travel agent Michelle Smith and posted a reward for information leading to their capture.
Senior officers announced the initiatives at a press conference yesterday, four days after the 60-year-old mother of three was fatally stabbed during a bungled bag snatch.
The investigation into Mrs Smith's murder has received a high priority with Thai Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra - a recent visitor to Australia - urging more intensity in efforts to find the wanted pair.
Chief of Phuket Police, Major General Chanasit Wattanawarangkoon, has said authorities will shoot to kill if the men resist arrest, adding that they know their identities.
''If the suspects resist arrest police may have to defend themselves and the suspects may end up being killed in a justifiable homicide,'' Chanasit told local media.
A reward of 300,000 baht ($9670) has been offered to anyone providing information leading to the arrest of the men, who attacked Mrs Smith from a motorcycle.
At the time, she was among a group of 10 travel agents returning to their hotel after an evening meal.
The money has been put up by provincial police officials and the owner of the Katathani Phuket Beach Resort where the group had been staying.
Mrs Smith, from the Perth suburb of Joondalup and a veteran of the travel industry, struggled as the passenger on the bike tried to steal her bag.
She was fatally injured when he plunged a 10 cm knife into her chest. Her companion, Tammee Lynn, 42, was also hurt and required stitches.
Police CCTV footage shows the men attacking the women.
Soon after Mrs Smith collapsed and despite efforts by Ms Lynn to halt the bleeding, the Perth woman died at the scene.
Police sources said the CCTV footage had identified a portion of the Honda Dream 100 cc motorbike's four digit number plate.
Images of the footage had also been forwarded to Bangkok for further amplification.
Growing concerns over attacks on tourists in Thailand, including the seaside resort of Pattaya, have led to Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung calling for a crackdown on criminal groups operating at the resort areas.
But officials told AAP late yesterday there were fears the wanted men may already have escaped Phuket Island.
''This is really of some concern,'' the official said.
''From now on it get's harder and harder (to make an arrest).''
Increasing theft and violent arguments between tourists and samlor or 'tuk tuk' drivers have alarmed tourism officials.
Four Australians were assaulted in February last year when a group of 20 tuk tuk drivers attacked the group.
One Australian was knifed but survived the assault.
Australian Ambassador to Thailand, James Wise, is to visit Phuket next week to hold talks with officials, including the provincial governor and tourism authorities, over concerns for the safety of Australian travelers.
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