It has been more than three years since family members visited Ko Zaw Lin Tun and Ko Win Zaw Tun from Arakan State’s Kyaukphyu Township, who have been serving life sentences in a Thai prison for allegedly killing two British nationals in 2014.

Family members say they have faced financial constraints preventing them from visiting the duo because their mothers are ill.

“The last time we visited him was in 2019, before the Covid-19 outbreak,” said Ko Ye Zaw Tun, the brother of Ko Win Zaw Tun. “My mother has cataracts now, so it has become difficult for us to visit my brother. We don’t even have money to treat her cataracts. We will be able to visit him only when there are donors and those who will arrange for us to visit him.”

Ko Win Zaw Tun’s mother is currently receiving treatment for her eyes in Kyaukphyu town. Ko Zaw Lin Tun’s mother is also ailing, with symptoms including headache and lumps on her neck.

“My mother can barely speak now. And she misses her son. Perhaps she is sick because she misses him too much,” said Ko Zaw Win, the brother of Ko Zaw Lin Tun.

“Between financial constraints and mental pains, my mother is exhausted. I would like to call for the release of my brother and Win Zaw Tun, as I cannot stand the sight of my grief-stricken mother,” he added.

Daw Phyu Shwe Nu, the mother of Ko Zaw Lin Tun, said: “We can’t afford to visit him. I am sick and I wish that my son will be released soon.”

Ko Win Zaw Tun and Ko Zaw Lin Tun, who were then working in Thailand, were convicted in 2015 of murdering two British tourists on the Thai island of Koh Tao the year prior.

The two Myanmar nationals have denied any involvement in the murders, but multiple appeals to higher courts were rejected.

Their death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment by a royal pardon from the Thai king in 2020.