Thailand's military ruler has apologised for suggesting that foreign visitors to its world-famous beaches might be unsafe wearing bikinis.

Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha has faced mounting criticism for his comments made since the murders of two British packbackers on the island of Koh Tao.

"I'm sorry that it hurt people," he said at a press conference on Thursday.

Reports stated that his original comment criticized tourists' behaviour in Thailand: "They [tourists] think our country is beautiful and is safe so they can do whatever they want, they can wear bikinis and walk everywhere."

Relatives of one of the victims, Hannah Witheridge, have arrived in the country to speak to Thai police.

Sky News correspondent Jonathan Samuels is on the island. He says tourists and locals alike are still coming to terms with what's happened: