Suspects Face Court
Two men accused of murdering Russian siblings Diana Nazimova, 22, and her 17-year-old brother, Roman, were transferred to Pattaya Provincial Court on Friday as Thai police expanded an investigation into what could be a series of killings.
Footage shows police escorting the two suspects, 43-year-old Thana Kerdthong and Thongchai Srinil, 39, from Huay Yai Police Station in Bang Lamung District under tight security before transferring them to court. The aunt of suspect Thana Kerdthong can be seen sitting inside the police station.
Investigators accused the pair of murdering the Russian siblings after targeting their motorcycle in an attempted robbery. The siblings were reported missing after leaving their home in Bristol Park, Pattaya, on a motorcycle on July 27. Their mother, Zarina Nazimova, reported them missing the following day.
The siblings came to Thailand from Russia in 2021 to live with their mother, who had settled in Pattaya three years earlier.
Investigation Expands Further
On July 29, police recovered the victims’ dismantled motorcycle in Huay Yai, prompting a wider investigation.
Police said both suspects confessed to killing the siblings, claiming they had selected them at random to steal their motorcycle. Investigators allege the attack escalated after the victims resisted. Roman suffered two gunshot wounds, while Diana showed signs of a violent assault.
Late on July 31, officers took the suspects to the Sak Maew forest in Bang Lamung district, where they led police to a shallow grave. The bodies of the two siblings were recovered during an overnight excavation.
Speaking to journalists outside the police station, Thana’s aunt described his troubled upbringing, saying his parents abandoned him and she was the one who raised him.
“It was exhausting. And then he went to prison, and he was in and out. As soon as he got out, he went back in,” she added while talking about his repeated offences.
She also said she believed her nephew regretted what had happened: “Well, he probably knew, and he was sorry. We were sorry, and he was sorry too, right? Because of his actions.”
More Cases Under Review
A relative of the deceased Thai family, whose bodies were also found buried nearby, criticised the earlier police response.
“We already reported it to the police, but no one has followed up on the case at all since last month,” she said. “My older sister also called the police station. The police station said no one had contacted them, even though they had already been contacted.”
Investigators have charged the suspects with multiple offences, including premeditated murder, armed robbery resulting in death, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, impersonating police officers, unlawful detention, and concealing the victims’ bodies.
Police also said Thana confessed to the killings of a Thai family of three and two other victims. Those claims have not been independently verified, and investigators are continuing to examine possible links between the cases. Additional suspects have not been ruled out.
Thailand Demands Justice
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also travelled to Chon Buri on Saturday to follow the investigation. He said the case had damaged Thailand’s reputation and called for the full force of the law to be applied if the suspects are convicted, adding that they should receive no special treatment.
Police and forensic teams continue to gather evidence as the investigation into the multiple killings remains ongoing.
Article by Viory
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