BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s military ruler has apologized for suggesting that foreigners visiting the country’s world-famous beaches would be unsafe wearing bikinis after two British tourists were killed this week.

The bodies of the man and woman were found bludgeoned on the scenic resort island of Koh Tao on Monday, dealing another blow to a tourist industry which has been struggling to recover since the army seized power in May.

Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha’s comments triggered an uproar and one British tabloid accused him of “Smearing … Britons Murdered in Paradise.”

Prayuth said Thursday he didn’t mean to criticize anyone and said the country was safe for tourists.

The killings remain unsolved and no arrests have been made.