🗓️ August 1, 2026
📍 Chonburi, Thailand

Thai PM Apologises to Russians After Five Chonburi Killings, Orders Security Crackdown

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has apologised to Russian visitors after the murders of two Russian siblings and three Thai family members in Chonburi, describing the case as a serious blow to Thailand's reputation.

The prime minister visited the crime scenes on Saturday alongside National Police Chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet as investigators continued to piece together what happened.

Bodies Found After Search for Missing Russian Siblings

The case began as a search for 22-year-old Diana Nazimova and her 17-year-old brother Roman Nazimov, who disappeared on July 26 after leaving their home in the Pattaya area on a Honda ADV 150 motorcycle.

Before disappearing, Diana reportedly messaged her mother saying someone was following them. Their phones soon went offline.

Days later, police found the siblings' motorcycle dismantled and buried in an abandoned cemetery in Huai Yai. The discovery led investigators to search the surrounding area, where they later found the bodies of Diana and Roman buried near a motorway.

While investigating the same case, police also uncovered the bodies of three members of a Thai family—a father, mother and daughter—buried together in a nearby grave, raising fears the cases may be connected.

Authorities are still investigating the exact circumstances surrounding all five deaths.

Prime Minister Visits Crime Scenes

At around 2pm on Saturday, Anutin travelled to both burial sites in Chonburi to receive an update from investigators.

Witnesses said the prime minister appeared visibly emotional as he was briefed on the investigation.

'We Must Restore Confidence'

Speaking after the visit, Anutin said the killings had damaged Thailand's image as a safe destination for both tourists and residents.

"We must restore confidence as much as possible," he said.

He noted that the victims included both foreign nationals and Thai citizens.

"They did not only kill two foreign nationals. They also killed three Thai people."

The prime minister said the government must reassure both visitors and the public that incidents like this will not happen again.

Apology to Russian Visitors

Anutin also offered a public apology to Russian tourists and expressed condolences to the victims' families.

"I apologise to the Russian people and offer my condolences, especially when they have encouraged people from their country to visit ours," he said.

He stressed that the alleged crimes were the actions of individuals and should not be seen as a reflection of Thailand as a whole.

"This was an outrageous incident, but it does not mean our country is unsafe," he said.

Security Measures Tightened

The prime minister has instructed police to strengthen security across the country, particularly in tourist areas.

• Increasing police patrols.
• Carrying out more inspections in high-risk areas.
• Preventing similar crimes from happening again.
• Restoring confidence among tourists and local communities.

Investigation Continues

Police are continuing to investigate whether the deaths of the Russian siblings and the Thai family are linked.

Authorities are also examining whether robbery may have been a motive and whether the victims were killed to prevent them from identifying those responsible.

The prime minister said the suspects appeared to have extensive knowledge of the local area, pointing to the remote burial sites chosen to hide the bodies.

However, he stressed these were preliminary assessments and that the final conclusions will depend on the police investigation and court proceedings.

Suspects in Custody

Police have arrested Thong and Pong, who were previously sought for questioning after the siblings disappeared.

Investigators are also examining whether other suspects were involved, particularly in the killings of the Thai family, with reports suggesting up to four people may have taken part.

Authorities have not yet announced whether all five killings were carried out by the same group.

Death Penalty Depends on the Courts

Asked whether the suspects should face the death penalty, Anutin said that decision rests with the courts.

Thailand's laws already allow capital punishment for the most serious crimes, but any sentence must follow the full legal process, including investigation, prosecution and trial.

The prime minister added that the government would ensure the case is thoroughly investigated and that those responsible are brought to justice.