Thai men charged over death of Australian

Michelle Smith was stabbed to death in Phuket, Thailand. Photo / Thinkstock

Australian authorities are liaising with their Thai counterparts after two men were charged over the murder of Perth travel agent Michelle Smith in Phuket.

The 60-year-old was fatally stabbed on June 20 when two men on a motorbike tried to snatch her handbag.

"We are aware of reports two people have been charged over the death of an Australian woman in Phuket," a spokeswoman from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said today.

"The Australian embassy in Bangkok is liaising with authorities."

The ABC has reported that Surasak Suwannachote has confessed to the stabbing and Surin Tadthong has confessed to riding the motorbike during the crime.

They have been charged with co-operating to kill a person for personal benefit, taking property with a weapon, causing death and injury, and carrying a weapon in a public place.

Both could face the death penalty but Thai authorities say they could be given life sentences if they admit their crime and co-operate with the court.

Mrs Smith's husband Geoff has told News Ltd the family is receiving regular updates about the case from DFAT, but is still awaiting confirmation of a court date.

-AAP