PHUKET: Two men charged with the murder of Australian travel agent Michelle Smith made their first remand appearance in Phuket Provincial Court today.

As is customary, alleged killer Surasak ''Boy'' Suwannachot, 26, and and his getaway motorcycle rider, Surin Taptong, 37, appeared before a judge in prison garb and shackles.

The men have confessed to taking part in a bag-snatch that went wrong outside a five-star Phuket resort about 10.30pm on June 20, leading to the death of 60-year-old Mrs Smith, a motherof three, and the wounding of her companion, Tammee Lee Lynn.

Prosecutors on Phuket will pursue the court case as soon as the police investigation is complete and a comprehensive file has been submitted.

Meanwhile, the men will return to court every 12 days for a remand. The maximum number of remands is seven.

Because security camera footage of the pair going to and from the scene is believed to establish their presence, it's considered unlikely that witnesses will be required to fly from Australia for the trial.

In the aftermatch of the murder, Thailand's Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, promised a cleanup of the holiday island to make tourists feel safe and secure, and to end scams and rip-offs.