An Inverness woman who was mugged in Thailand a week ago last Saturday has died in a Bangkok hospital.

Lydia Riach, 58, was pronounced dead at the police hospital in Bangkok at 11.44pm on Sunday.

Her cremation will be held today in a Thai temple in Klong Toey, Bangkok.

Her husband Douglas Riach, 57, a former director of Caledonian-Thistle Football Club said today: "She passed away peacefully.  I will be returning home with her ashes on Friday.”

Her death means that Thai police are now involved in a murder hunt.

No suspects have been arrested but spokesman for Thai Police at Thonglor said last night: "We have a witness and leads. We will apprehend the killers."

Douglas Riach said: "Please let me take this opportunity to thank all those who have given their support. It has been tremendous and has helped the family through these trying times.

"I am returning with Lydia on Friday so we can be among relatives and lifelong friends."

Lydia was attacked by a motorcycle snatch team who grabbed her hand-bag as she walked in single file behind her husband in a narrow lane of the city's Sukhumvit Road.

Lydia, who was wearing her bag around her head and shoulders was dragged to the ground and her skull was split on the road.

The couple were on their way to watch Saturday football at the Scottish owned Twenty Two bar owned by Ray McLaughlin, from Paisley.

Expatriates at the bar shocked at the attack have been giving to a fund to help pay for hospital costs.

Mr McLaughlin: "It’s such a sad thing to happen to a very lovely and obviously happy couple."

Douglas is an Honorary Life President of the Highland Car Club, and former rally driver. The couple were popular both in Inverness and Bangkok where they had started a new life.

He said: "This has not changed my view of Thailand and Thai people who have been very kind to us both. It could happen in other cities."

Douglas arrived two years ago and got employment as a sales consultant with Infinity, a financial consultancy.

Lydia was due to start work in an orphanage helping under privileged children.