The murder of Russians in Chonburi led to the discovery

Statements made by those detained in connection with the shooting of the visitors led to the discovery of the graves of three residents who had been missing for two months, highlighting the importance of ongoing investigations for public safety and awareness.

In the Thai province of Chonburi, the arrest of two suspects who confessed to the murder of Russian nationals led to a shocking discovery: the bodies of three members of a Thai family, who had been missing for two months. The police discovered the graves after the suspects indicated the locations of the crimes. The case has sparked widespread public outcry and drawn the attention of the country’s top officials.
Double murder of Russians: the motive – a motorbike

Thana Kerdthong, a 43-year-old former prisoner, and Thongchai Srinil, aged 39, who were arrested in Sa Kaeo Province, were taken by the police to the burial site of the young Russians. According to Police Lieutenant-General Chatchai Surachetpong, Commissioner of the Second Regional Police Headquarters, the burial site was located in a wooded area of Huai Yai tambon, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province, providing precise geographic context for the investigation.

In a shallow grave, approximately 1 metre below ground, the bodies of 22-year-old Diana Nazimova and her 17-year-old brother Roman Nazimov were discovered. They had been reported missing since 26 July. An examination of Diana’s body, which was lying on top, revealed signs of physical violence. Her brother Roman had sustained one gunshot wound to the head and one to the abdomen.

The bodies of both victims were found fully clothed, without any wrapping or attempts to conceal them. A preliminary forensic examination revealed no signs of sexual assault on Diana, according to the police. The suspects admitted that the main motive for the murder of the Russians was a desire to steal their motorbike.
Discovery of the Thai family: the second crime

Just 2 kilometres from the first burial site, in a coconut grove, law enforcement officers discovered another mass grave. It contained the bodies of a father, mother and daughter from a Thai family. The suspect, Thana Kerdthong, also confessed to this crime, stating that the motive was robbery.

During the subsequent investigation, police arrested two additional suspects: Chatchanan Peng-iam and Atsadang Chuwong. According to their statements, the criminals broke into the victims’ home in Bang Lamung, posing as police officers, and handcuffed the 53-year-old man and his 50-year-old wife, who were alone at home at the time.

Shortly afterwards, the couple’s 18-year-old daughter returned home from the shop and was also restrained. According to the investigation, the suspects then took all three to another location, where they shot them and buried their bodies. The Thai family had been reported missing for two months, and the police’s efforts in uncovering their fate underscore the importance of vigilant investigation for public reassurance.
The search and the relatives’ despair

The sister of the murdered woman, who introduced herself as Tukta, told journalists with tears in her eyes that the family had been desperately searching for their loved ones – her sister, brother-in-law and niece – since their disappearance. According to her, the family’s car, motorbike and other belongings were left behind at their home in Bang Lamung, whilst no signs of a struggle or burglary were found. Her distress aims to evoke empathy and concern from the public.

For over a month, relatives continued to bring food to the dog left behind in the house and repeatedly called the missing persons’ mobile phones, but received no response. Tukta said they had done everything possible to search for them, including filing a missing persons report, coordinating with the police, and contacting mobile network operators. However, some information was unavailable, as only law enforcement agencies were authorised to make such enquiries. She emphasised that if the police had not been investigating the murder of the Russian citizens, the family might never have learnt of their loved ones’ fate.
The authorities’ response and the ongoing investigation

The police are continuing to verify Thana Kerdthong’s statements and to ascertain whether he may be involved in other crimes in the region. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul cancelled his engagements in Suphanburi on Saturday and said he would instead travel to Chonburi to oversee the progress of the investigation into these murders personally. He noted that such brutal crimes were tantamount to “murdering the entire nation”, as they had undermined public trust and tarnished the reputation of a country actively seeking to attract foreign tourists and investors.