The Court of Appeal on Monday upheld the death penalty against Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo, who had been convicted of one of the most shocking crimes in Thailand’s history.

Police arrested Zaw Lin on Koh Tao – a part of Surat Thani province – about two weeks after the crime took place. Wai Phyo, or Win Zaw Tun, was later arrested at a pier in Surat Thani town.

In a statement, the Miller family said: “We remain confident that this is the correct decision.”

However the family hoped Thai authorities would show leniency in relation to the death sentence.