The trial of two Burmese migrant workers accused of killing two British tourists on a popular resort island in southern Thailand has begun in a case seen as a test of the country's justice system.

The bodies of 24-year-old David Miller and Hannah Witheridge, 23, were found on September 15 at a beach on the island of Koh Tao.

Post-mortem examinations showed both had suffered severe head wounds and that Ms Witheridge had been raped. The trial began yesterday on the nearby island of Koh Samui. The men say they are innocent of rape and murder charges.