THE best friend of a backpacker murdered on a Thai beach says words cannot express losing her "in the most brutal, evil and permanent way imaginable".
Ruth Adams, 22, of Christ Church, Lubbock Road, Chislehurst, was travelling in Thailand with Katherine Horton.
The 21-year-old was raped and killed on Lamai Beach, Koh Samui island, south east Thailand.
Katherine was attacked at 9pm on New Year's Day while on the phone to her mother.
The friends met at Reading University and were on a two-week holiday before the semester restarted.
Miss Adams said: "My words cannot express the loss and devastation I feel knowing I have lost my best friend in the most brutal, evil and permanent way imaginable.
"Kath and I were inseparable. We knew each other inside out and shared everything.
"I cannot understand how something so evil could happen to someone so innocent, beautiful, passionate and selfless. My only comfort is she is now in a place where no-one can ever hurt her again."
Two Thai fishermen have been arrested and charged with Miss Horton's rape and murder.
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