UPDATE Pattaya search continues for missing Russian siblings Picture courtesy of Amarin More than 100 rescue volunteers have been put on standby as the search continues for two Russian siblings who disappeared in the early hours of July 26. Diana Nazimova, 22, and her 17-year-old brother Roman Nazimova have not been found. Two men wanted under arrest warrants in connection with the case, known as Pong and Thong, remain at large after reportedly escaping a police and military checkpoint in Chanthaburi early on July 31. Search centre set up in Pattaya At 9am on July 31, Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya rescue workers opened a command centre to receive information from the public on the missing Russian tourists. More than 100 volunteers have been assigned to the operation and are ready to deploy as soon as fresh information emerges. The search has entered its third day, according to Suttipong Boonmachai, head of the operational team. He said there was still no new lead identifying where Diana or Roman might be. Teams have continued searching suspected locations, including ponds, areas where smoke was previously seen and sites which had not yet been fully checked. A field kitchen has also been established to support personnel from the rescue services, local administration, police, media and volunteers working in the area. Suttipong said numerous tips had been received from the public over the past three days. While none has led to the missing pair, he said the information had helped investigators better understand the suspects' movements and narrow the areas targeted in the search. Anyone with information about the suspects, their vehicle or the missing siblings has been asked to contact the command centre at Chak Ngaew Cemetery so officers can investigate promptly. Suspects reportedly evade checkpoint Reports that Pong and Thong had been detained on the evening of 30 July, were incorrect, officials confirmed. Police reported that they had detected the movements of the two men in Makham district, Chanthaburi, on July 30, as they were travelling towards Sa Kaeo province. A motorcycle approached the Khao Laem checkpoint at 13:08, in Soi Dao district, Chanthaburi, where police and soldiers were conducting checks. One rider was wearing items resembling that worn by police officers. The motorcycle then accelerated through the checkpoint and escaped before officers could stop it. Authorities have confirmed and identified the pair as Pong and Thong. Investigators believe a white plastic bag seen in CCTV footage from Bang Lamung district, carried by the two men, may have contained clothing or equipment resembling police uniforms to assist their escape. That point remains under investigation. 31 July 2026
