The two Burmese men, named in reports as bar workers Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun, both 21, are accused of murdering David and Hannah Witheridge on the island of Koh Tao last month.

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Mr Miller, from Jersey, died from drowning and a blow to the head, while Miss Witheridge, from Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, died from head wounds and showed evidence of being raped.

Thai police had paraded the suspects on TV saying they had admitted the killings - however, their confessions have since been retracted amid allegations they were tortured.

The men could face the death sentence if they are convicted.

The families of the accused men have now said that they have been framed by police.

Speaking with the BBC, they insisted that the two migrant workers did not commit the crime, with Win Zaw Htun's mother adding that the ordeal has left her suicidal.

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She said tearfully: "You know how much I love you. Tell them the truth; tell them that you did not kill them."

Zaw Lin's mother added: "The case has been rigged against my son."

There are serious concerns about the way the police have handled the situation - and a spokesperson for a Burmese support team has said he firmly believes the two men are being used as scapegoats.

He shockingly revealed: "I just spoke to the witness two minutes ago on the phone - he said the police stood on his arms and stamped on his chest, but he still refused to change his story."

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The Thai authorities may have thought that by charging two poor Burmese men with murder that this case would quickly disappear from public view but, if that is the case, then they were wrong.

"Efforts are continuing to stop one tragedy being followed by another," revealed BBC correspondent Jonah Fisher.

An inquest into the backpackers' deaths will be held in the UK on January 6.