Thana Kerdthong, known as "Pong", and Thongchai Srinil, known as "Thong", were arrested in Wang Sombun district, Sa Kaeo, under Pattaya Provincial Court warrants on theft-related charges. Police later took them to Huay Yai police station for questioning.
The victims were identified as Diana Nazimova, 22, and her 17-year-old brother, Roman Nazimova. Both suspects have reportedly admitted involvement in their deaths and the theft of their motorcycle.
Bodies found in forest burial site
Police took the suspects to the scene and reported that the bodies were found on a hillside, concealed with grass, and had been buried about one metre deep. Diana's hands were tied behind her back, while Roman's hands and feet were bound. Officers reported gunshot wounds to Roman's abdomen and head.
Thongchai told investigators that he and Thana only encountered the siblings on a motorcycle, early morning, after failing to find a man they were looking for, known as "Tik". He claimed the pair pretended to be police officers, stopped the Russians for a search and then took them to an area known locally as Yang Yai.
Thanapong had allegedly threatened Roman with a handgun, tied his hands and took control of the victims’ motorcycle, while Thongchai escorted Diana on his own motorcycle to the remote wooded area.
Thongchai alleged that once they reached the site, Thanapong marched the two victims into the forest before shooting Roman in the stomach without any argument or confrontation. Thanapong then allegedly ordered him to fetch a shovel. As he walked away, he heard a second gunshot.
When he returned, Roman was dead and Diana was lying motionless on the ground, although he said he could not tell whether she was still alive.
He said Thanapong instructed him to dig a chest-deep grave, where both victims were buried together.
The suspects then hid the stolen motorcycle in nearby woodland before dismantling it at Thongchai’s home in an attempt to sell the parts. After a local mechanic reportedly refused to buy them because of their suspicious origin, the parts were buried underground.
Thongchai insisted he participated only because he feared Thanapong would harm his family if he refused.
Thanapong gave a different version of events regarding the Russian siblings. He admitted planning only to rob them but claimed Roman resisted, prompting him to shoot him. He alleged Diana also resisted while being restrained by Thongchai, causing him to assault her fatally.
He admitted that the pair buried both bodies, dismantled the motorcycle after seeing media reports of the investigation, and discarded the victims’ mobile phones because they were protected by passcodes and iCloud protection.
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Suspects also linked to missing Thai family
Investigators also examined links to the disappearance and deaths of a Thai family of three: Wichian Nawongsa, 53, his wife Chantana Chat-in, 50, and their daughter Nichapa Nawongsa, 18.
Thongchai alleged that he, Thana, a man known as Ball and Ball's friend were involved in a robbery and murder in mid-June. Thana separately named Thongchai, Ball and a man known as Fluke.
Pictures courtesy of Amarin
The family were allegedly taken from their home near the Ambassador Hotel, at about 11pm, after Thana was said to have dressed like an official and displayed a police-style card. Their pickup truck and mobile phones were taken, with the vehicle allegedly intended to be used for drug transport.
Their bodies were found in a coconut forest in a roughly three-metre-deep grave in the same area, police said. Prisana Blundell, 45, had reported the family's disappearance to Huay Yai police on 27 June.
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1 August 2026
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