Prosecutors in Thailand’s Pattaya indict two suspects in deaths of Russian siblings

KUALA LUMPUR, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

The Pattaya Provincial Court on Wednesday formally indicted two men, Thana, 43, also known as Pong, and Thongchai “Thong” Srinil, for the murders of Russian siblings Diana Nazimova, 22, and Roman Nazimov, 17, whose deaths shocked Thailand in late July.

Police later discovered the motorcycle dismantled and buried, while the suspects’ statements to authorities have since contradicted each other on key details of the crime.

Thongchai told investigators that Thana was solely responsible for killing the siblings and later coerced him into helping bury the bodies, threatening harm to his family if he refused. Thana, however, admitted to assaulting the pair but claimed the attack was motivated solely by robbery—theft of their motorcycle—and denied any sexual assault.

The case has also expanded to include the murders of a Thai family of three, whose bodies were found buried near the same location. Two additional suspects, Chatchanan “Fluke” Paen-iam and Atsadang “Ball” Chuwong, remain in custody as police continue a separate investigation into their alleged involvement.

The indictment lists 12 charges against Thana and Thongchai, including premeditated murder, rape with a firearm, impersonating a public official, and concealing the bodies. Authorities allege the suspects used a firearm during the robbery, resulting in the siblings’ deaths, and acted with "cruel brutality." The charges also cover illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and military equipment, as well as detaining the victims against their will.

Prosecutors submitted the case file to the Pattaya Provincial Court after compiling evidence from Huai Yai police, where the investigation began following the siblings’ disappearance.

While the case has drawn international attention due to the victims’ Russian nationality, its implications extend to Thailand’s broader challenges in combating organized crime and human trafficking, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Pattaya. The conflicting testimonies and the discovery of additional victims suggest a possible pattern of violence linked to the suspects’ activities. The next step for the defendants is a court hearing, where their legal team will likely challenge the evidence presented by prosecutors.

The trial, once underway, could shed further light on the full scope of the crimes committed.