Thai police announced on Sunday the arrest of a Thai man for the murder, which he confessed, of a Swiss tourist whose body was found near a waterfall on the tourist island of Phuket.
The body of Nicole Sauvain-Weisskopf, 57, was discovered Thursday face down.
Shorts, sneakers and a cell phone were found near the victim.
The latter, who was traveling alone, had arrived on July 13 in Phuket as part of the plan dubbed "sandbox", which allows fully vaccinated foreign travelers to stay on the island without quarantining, then to go elsewhere in the country after 14 days.
Deputy National Police spokesperson Kissana Phathanacharoen said the suspect was Theerawut Tortip, 27.
Identified by surveillance cameras
During a press conference, in which the latter participated by telephone with his lawyer, Theerawut Tortip said he stole 300 baht (7.60 euros) after having strangled Nicole Sauvain-Weisskopf.
"I would like to apologize to the tourist's family and beg all Thais to apologize," he added.
Police Major General Nantadej Yoinual, who heads the southern region, said Theerawut Tortip confessed during questioning.
He explained that the investigation was traced back to the man thanks to surveillance cameras.
A legal adviser from the Swiss embassy thanked the Thai police for their efforts.
"The victim, the victim's family and all Thais deserve a quick elucidation of this crime," he added.
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