A man has been arrested by police on suspicion of the rape and murder of a female German tourist on Koh Si Chang in Thailand’s eastern province of Chon Buri over the weekend.

The suspect was identified as Mr. Ronnakorn Romruen, 24, a native of Koh Si Chang who lives in a house not far from where the body of the victim, 27-year-old Beelte Miriam, was found.

Pol Col Atthapol Sarakul, superintendent of Koh Si Chang, said today that police were told by tourists on Sunday of a leaf covered body being found in a gap between two boulders on the path leading to the King Rama V flag pole.

A police team rushed to the scene where they found the victim’s body, which showed signs of serious wounds to the face and head. Police also found traces of blood on the path to the flag pole.

Police searched houses in the vicinity and found Ronnakorn, who was then taken into custody for questioning, during which he allegedly confessed to the crime. According to the police, the suspect saw the victim riding a bicycle alone and tried to talk with her, but she tried to run away, which was when he allegedly attacked her.

The suspect claims he killed the victim for fear that she might report him to the police, and dumped the body between the two boulders.

It is reported that residents of Koh Si Chang are angry with the suspect, noting that the incident might ruin the tourism business on the popular island.