[TessUnsonia]

PHUKET -- The two Thai men who killed Australian travel agent Michelle Smith on June 20 were today sentenced to death.

But the two judges commuted the sentence for both men to life imprisonment because they had cooperated with the court and had admitted their guilt.

Surasak Suwannachot and Surin Tadtong were both charged with killing for personal gain, killing in association with one another, carrying weapons in public and conspiracy to commit robbery.

Both smiled at the sentences, plainly relieved not to have been sentenced to death.

After the judgement both were taken straight from the court to begin their sentences in the Phuket Provincial Prison.