Australian woman killed resisting robbery attempt on Thai resort island

BANGKOK – An Australian woman has been stabbed to death and another has been hurt in a street robbery on the Thai resort island of Phuket.

Police Lt.-Col. Boonlert Onklang said Thursday that 60-year-old Michelle Smith had resisted an attempt by two Thai men on a motorcycle to snatch her bag at knifepoint.

Smith was stabbed in the chest late Wednesday night while fighting them and died shortly after the men fled.

Boonlert said 45-year-old Tammy Lynn suffered a gash on her arm while trying to aid Smith. She required hospitalization but was well enough to return home.

The two Australians were among 11 people from Perth who travelled to Phuket on a survey trip for their travel agency.