Thai man confesses to raping Irish tourists

A 20-year-old Thai man has confessed to raping two Irish tourists on a holiday isle, police said today.

Suthichai Sae Lim, 20, was arrested yesterday on Koh-samui, 270 miles south of Bangkok, and admitted to participating in the attack last Sunday, said Police Colonel Wasan Booncharoen.

Police are still searching for another suspect, Wattana Srikhunmuang, 19, who allegedly joined Suthichai in following the women back to their beachside bungalows.

The two women - one from Limerick city and one a British and Irish passport holder from Navan, Co Meath - were discharged from hospital on Tuesday after receiving medical treatment.

The women, both students, were returning from a nightclub at 4am on Monday morning and were walking along a beach just yards from their holiday bungalows when they were set upon by local men.