A date has been set for the trial of two men accused of killing Perth travel agent Michelle Smith, with the case being pushed forward because of its international ramifications.
The trial is scheduled to begin next Monday, August 6, just six weeks after the tragic stabbing which took place in Phuket on June 20 during an attempted bag snatch.
Michelle was with nine other Western Australia agents on a famil organised by Asia Escape Holidays when she was attacked as she walked home after dinner.
She collapsed and died near the Kathathani Beach Resort, sending shockwaves through the industry.
Surasak Wannachot and Surin Tapthong have both confessed to charges of robbery with the attack captured on security camera. But they have argued the stabbing was an accident.
Meanwhile, Smith’s husband Geoff Smith, is reported to have called for a tough penalty for the two accused.
However, the West Australian quoted him as saying that he bore no ill will towards Phuket, which had “copped a lot of flak” in the aftermath of his wife’s murder.
