Russian interpreter assists Chon Buri murder inquiry

A 22-year-old Russian woman who grew up in Thailand has been volunteering as an interpreter in the Chon Buri murder investigation involving two Russian siblings.

Varvara Davydova, who has lived in Thailand since the age of eight, has assisted police with Thai-Russian interpretation in the high-profile case. She is mostly based at Pattaya Immigration Bureau and has previously helped with a number of cases as a volunteer interpreter.

Fluent Thai speaker with legal training

Davydova speaks Thai fluently and graduated with first-class honours from the Faculty of Law at Sripatum University's Chon Buri campus. She first worked as an interpreter when she was 15.

Her role in the murder inquiry gained attention on Thai social media, where her contribution was described as important because of the gravity of the case.

For foreign residents and visitors, the case underlines the practical importance of interpreters during dealings with Thai authorities. While police and immigration offices may arrange language assistance, an interpreter can be particularly important in serious criminal cases, where statements, legal procedures and interviews need to be understood accurately.

Davydova said she often volunteers because she understands that people may not have the money to pay for help.

"Many times I volunteer because I understand they don't have the budget, and I understand it's difficult for them, so I go and help," she said.

"Most of the time they do pay something, but I never ask for it. If they give, they give, if not, that's fine too, because I understand that if they want to pay, it comes out of their own pocket."

Experience is the reward, she says

Davydova said the experience of seeing how Thailand's legal system operates was valuable to her.

"What I get is experience. I've seen how the law is actually applied, and that has real value."

A Facebook page, "Nu Noi Bon Yod Khao An Nao Nen", described Davydova as Thai in every sense except for her passport. She later shared the post with the caption: "100% Thai at heart, all that's left is the ID card."

Picture courtesy of Amarin

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4 August 2026