Police in Chon Buri have recovered the bodies of two Russian siblings who were reported missing after two suspects led officers to a burial site in a forest in Huay Yai, Bang Lamung.

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

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 as Yang Yai.

According to his account, Thana used a gun on Roman before ordering Thongchai to dig a chest-deep grave. The siblings were buried together, while their motorcycle was hidden in the forest and later dismantled.

Police said 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.

Thana reportedly said the original intention had been robbery, but claimed Roman resisted. He also said Diana struggled while being held by Thongchai. The suspects allegedly dismantled the motorcycle after news coverage of the investigation and buried the parts, while the victims' phones were discarded after they could not be accessed because of password and iCloud protection.

Suspects also linked to missing Thai family

Investigators are also examining alleged 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.

The family were allegedly taken from their home near the Ambassador Hotel, at about 10pm to 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 for drug transport.

Their bodies were found in a coconut forest in a roughly three-metre-deep grave at the same area, police said. Prisana Blundell, 45, had reported the family's disappearance to Huay Yai police on 27 June.

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

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1 August 2026

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UPDATE

Two more held over family-of-three killings in Chon Buri

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

Police in Chon Buri have detained two more suspects over the alleged robbery and murder of a family of three whose bodies were found in one grave in Huai Yai, Bang Lamung district.

The discovery followed the investigation into the disappearance and deaths of two Russian siblings. Suspects Pong and Thong had earlier led police to burial sites in Pa Sak Ngiao forest, Huai Yai, where the Russian victims were found.

On 1 August 2026, officers took Pong and Thong to a coconut grove in Moo 10, Huai Yai, near the Russian siblings' burial site. Police excavated the area and found the bodies of the mother, father and child together in the grave indicated by the suspects.

Two further suspects detained

Police have also taken into custody Chatchanan, known as Fluke, and Atsadang, known as Ball. They are accused of taking part in the robbery and killings of the family.

Investigators said the suspects claimed they had posed as police officers to search the family's home. The family were then allegedly taken from the house and attacked in the coconut grove.

Sister says family searched for more than a month

The dead woman's sister, identified as Tukkata, said through tears that relatives had spent more than a month trying to establish what had happened after her sister, brother-in-law and niece disappeared.

She said the family had received no response despite making calls and contacting agencies for help.

Tukkata said that without the case involving the two Russian siblings, which led to the suspects' arrests and the subsequent search of burial locations, her family might never have known the fate of their three relatives. She thanked all officials involved in the investigation.

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1 August 2026