PHUKET: New footage has emerged of Michelle Smith's killers fleeing the scene on a motorcycle.

The footage, taken by a security camera not far from the quiet road in Phuket's Kata Noi bay where the 60-year-old Australian travel agent was slashed, provides the best view yet of the wanted men.

Police on Phuket, where three task forces are now engaged in the hunt along with police all over the holiday island, expect an arrest this weekend.

The savage attempted bag snatch that went wrong, leaving Mrs Smith dying in the road and her companion, Tammee Lee, 42, with a wounded arm, has prompted tourism officials to seek improved security and safety for visitors and residents.

As long as the killers are free, people will be fearful of another act of violence.

Resort managements are likely to become more involved in security and safety following Mrs Smith's murder. It showed that no matter how safety-conscious resorts are individually, it's vital to become involved.

Phuket has never had sufficient police for the large number of residents and tourists.