Thailand PM visits Pattaya area as police probe deaths of Russian siblings and Thai family

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul travelled to the Pattaya area on Saturday afternoon, 1 August 2026, to follow investigations into the deaths of two Russian siblings and three members of a Thai family.

Anutin cut short a planned visit to Suphan Buri and was expected to attend a police briefing. He said the killings had damaged Thailand’s reputation for tourist safety and called for severe punishment if suspects are convicted. He also said the suspects should receive no special assistance.

The investigation began after Diana Nazimova, 22, and her brother Roman Nazimov, 17, disappeared on the morning of 26 July after leaving their home in Huai Yai subdistrict for a convenience store on a Honda ADV 150 motorcycle. The siblings had lived in Thailand with their mother since 2021.

Police arrested Thana Kerdthong, 43, also known as Pong, and Thongchai Srinil, 39, known as Thong, on 31 July in Wang Sombun district of Sa Kaeo province. Officers said the men were allegedly attempting to flee to another country.

According to police, both men confessed to killing the siblings during an attempt to steal their motorcycle. Police said the suspects allegedly posed as law enforcement officers, restrained the siblings and attacked them after they resisted. The brother was allegedly shot, while the sister was fatally assaulted. The bodies were buried in a forested area of Huai Yai, about two kilometres from the alleged crime scene, and the motorcycle was dismantled and buried separately.

The suspects led officers to the burial site late on Friday night. Initial examinations indicated that Roman had gunshot injuries to the head and abdomen, while Diana showed signs of severe physical assault. Police reported no preliminary evidence of sexual assault. Thong has claimed that Pong forced him to take part and has blamed Pong for the killings.

Questioning also linked the suspects to the disappearance of Wichian, 53, Chantana, 50, and their 18-year-old daughter Nichapha, 18, who were reported missing in mid-June. Their bodies were later found in a nearby coconut plantation. Investigators said the suspected motive was robbery and that two other suspects in that case remained at large.

Provincial Police Region 2 Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Chatchai Surachetphong said some parts of the confessions were consistent with physical evidence. Police are continuing forensic work and pursuing other suspects. Two men previously arrested over the burial of the motorcycle said they were not involved in the deaths, and officers are investigating their roles.

Authorities said they would assist the Russian family, including with repatriating the siblings’ remains. Anutin called for a swift and rigorous investigation to restore public confidence.