Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Police in Pattaya have confirmed the discovery of the dismembered remains of a 30-year-old Russian man, buried in multiple locations near a pond, in a case believed to be linked to a major debt dispute. The remains were found on 1 February 2026, bringing a grim end to a missing person investigation that had lasted more than three weeks and involved cross-border family concerns.

The body was discovered in Soi Pattanakan 4, just outside Pattaya, in Nong Prue, where investigators located six burial points in a forested zone near a pond. Five sites contained body parts, while a sixth held personal belongings including clothing and a bag, all wrapped in black plastic and buried underground. Forensic officers estimate the victim had been dead for sometime when the remains were recovered.

The victim was identified as Mr Mikhail Emelianov, a 30-year-old Russian national who had been living in Pattaya for over two years. He operated a cannabis-related business in the Jomtien area and resided in a condominium in South Pattaya before disappearing more than 23 days prior to the discovery. His mother, Miss Olga Lazabenko, 51, travelled from Russia to Thailand to file a missing person report, prompting intensified police action.

Local residents reported unusual smells in the area days before the discovery and one nearby resident said her dog had brought home an object stained with blood. Police also noted sightings of a man carrying gardening tools near the burial sites, though his involvement has not been confirmed. Clothing and personal items recovered were consistent with what the victim was last seen wearing.

Investigators believe the motive was linked to a failed cannabis business partnership and an unpaid debt exceeding 120,000 US dollars. Police recovered digital messages containing threats and repeated demands for repayment, which are now key evidence in the case. Authorities say the killing is being treated as a murder connected to debt collection and may involve multiple suspects.

Two Russian men, named as Mr Maskalav, 38 and Mr Iaraslav 35, have been detained at a hotel in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok for questioning. Police also seized a Honda Forza motorcycle, which CCTV footage shows being used to transport the victim’s body parts. Investigators have not yet released full details and are expected to hold a formal press briefing at 14:00 on 2 February 2026.

Daily News reported that Police are continuing forensic examinations and tracing financial transactions related to the alleged debt. Further arrest warrants may be issued, and coordination with foreign authorities remains a possibility as the investigation develops.

Key Takeaways

• A 30-year-old Russian man was found dismembered and buried in Pattaya on 1 February 2026.

• Police believe the killing was linked to a debt exceeding 120,000 US dollars from a failed cannabis business.

• Two Russian suspects are in custody, with further arrests possible as the investigation continues.

Original Story

Russian-mother-flies-to-Pattaya-seeking-missing-son

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-02-02

 

 

Horrified to know a person can be dismembered for a debt that can now never be repaid.

10 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Police in Pattaya have confirmed the discovery of the dismembered remains of a 30-year-old Russian man, buried in multiple locations near a pond

Crikey, Pattaya seems more dangerous for Russians than the Russian front.

He should have joined Russia's army, perhaps, still be alive.

Cut up body.....check

Bury at 6 different sites....check

Make sure all the sites are super close together so its easy to find......check

55 minutes ago, Purdey said:

Horrified to know a person can be dismembered for a debt that can now never be repaid.

Must be a warning to others not to fail payment

Oh those Russians.

Welcome to how punishment is delivered in Thailand when mixing with wrong people. Legalising Cannabis was a disaster and guess who was the instigator? The current PM..hopefully soon gone

Another chain saw massacre?

Remember the rich German being cut in pieces?

2 hours ago, blaze master said:

Cut up body.....check

Bury at 6 different sites....check

Make sure all the sites are super close together so it’s easy to find......check

… remember not to bury parts. Check.

Bitcoin was probably involved somehow.

2 minutes ago, gargamon said:

Bitcoin was probably involved somehow.

Last week someone had 1tn of cannabis stolen. Not related to this but it did involve crypto.

Big money and crime in the drugs market, thanks Anutin

I can't understand the mentality of killing someone that owes money. It just ensures the debt can never be repaid.

Unless some sort of insurance scam is involved.

1 hour ago, KhunBENQ said:

Another chain saw massacre?

Remember the rich German being cut in pieces?

Yes, the deep freeze being casually driven around Jomtien on the back of a pickup!

Imagine if banks started dismembering customers who had defaulted on payments?

4 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Pattaya seems more dangerous for Russians

Not only for Russians. What a disgusting place! A safe heaven for criminals and fugitives from all over the world. Tourists don't know what is "under the hood" in the Land of Smiles. Beware. This place should be avoided. Full of criminals.

What price do you put on life - apparently very little if your Russian.

Must have been a very grizzly job, not for the faint hearted.

3 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Must be a warning to others not to fail payment

It makes sense.

2 hours ago, pixelaoffy said:

Legalising Cannabis was a disaster

Yes, absolutely right.

3 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Must be a warning to others not to fail payment

Don't have to pay them back now that they in prison for life.

4 hours ago, Purdey said:

Horrified to know a person can be dismembered for a debt that can now never be repaid.

Like the mafia and the drug barons in Sth America and Mexicol they don't care so much that they won't get their money as it sends a message out there not to cross them.

Just now, wavodavo said:

Like the mafia and the drug barons in Sth America and Mexicol they don't care so much that they won't get their money as it sends a message out there not to cross them.

Good work by the police because the murders got a HEAD start and made it to Bangkok before being caught.

3 minutes ago, wavodavo said:

Like the mafia and the drug barons in Sth America and Mexicol they don't care so much that they won't get their money as it sends a message out there not to cross them.

Yes, a very strong message!

4 hours ago, Purdey said:

Horrified to know a person can be dismembered for a debt that can now never be repaid.

The perps, probably mafia if ever caught will live in the Hilton, if they are still in Thailand

Anutin's drug shops do wonders for Thailand

Ivan chopnekoff' will now definitely not be paying anything 🤔

11 minutes ago, kiwikeith said:

The perps, probably mafia if ever caught will live in the Hilton, if they are still in Thailand

No flies on you.

I can see you are really on the ball, Sherlock.

32 minutes ago, Frankie baby said:

What price do you put on life - apparently very little if your Russian.

Must have been a very grizzly job, not for the faint hearted.

Not if you freeze the body first 👍

Not suprising, Russian Mafia are well embedded in Thailands entertainment scene, have been for years, i remember a huge bar on Walking Street called Red Square, never saw anyone in there, and yet it existed for years, probably made a Million Baht a week in the books.....

5 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Crikey, Pattaya seems more dangerous for Russians than the Russian front.

He should have joined Russia's army, perhaps, still be alive.

No one drone blown into lots of bits!

1 hour ago, Hakuna Matata said:

Not only for Russians. What a disgusting place! A safe heaven for criminals and fugitives from all over the world. Tourists don't know what is "under the hood" in the Land of Smiles. Beware. This place should be avoided. Full of criminals.

Just imagine if the police did their job, what it could be like?