The bodies of Diana Nazimova, 22, and her brother Roman Nazimov, 17, were recovered from a shallow grave in Chon Buri, Thailand, after the siblings went missing on July 26. Two suspects, Thana Kerdthong and Thongchai Srinil, have confessed to killing the pair to steal their motorbike, according to police reports confirmed by local media outlets including the Bangkok Post and Thai Rath Online.
The Investigation and Discovery of the Siblings
The search for the Russian siblings, who had been living in Pattaya since 2021, intensified after their black-and-grey Honda ADV 150 was found dismantled and buried at an old cemetery in Thung Luang, near the Najomtien-Map Ta Phut Motorway. According to Asianews.network, investigators were led to the site after residents reported seeing a group burying motorcycle parts. Police later recovered the vehicle, which had been taken apart in an attempt to hide evidence.
Following a multi-province manhunt, police tracked the suspects to an orchard in the Wang Sombun district of Sa Kaeo province. Authorities arrested Thana Kerdthong, 43, and Thongchai Srinil, 39, who were reportedly wanted on charges of night-time vehicle theft. Police stated that the suspects confessed to posing as law enforcement to intercept the siblings on the road.
Suspects’ Confession and Motive
Thongchai Srinil, known as “Thong,” told police he was present when Thana Kerdthong, nicknamed “Pong,” intercepted the siblings. According to the Bangkok Post, Thong claimed he heard two gunshots after Pong spoke to the victims. Pong, who had been released from prison just seven years prior for attempted murder, allegedly threatened Thong’s family to force him to assist in burying the bodies.
The suspects admitted to killing Roman Nazimov with gunfire and fatally assaulting Diana Nazimova. Pong reportedly told Thai Rath Online that the motive was the theft of the motorcycle and denied allegations of sexual assault. The mother of the victims, Zarina, stated to the Samui Times that she believes her son was attempting to protect his sister after they were pulled over by individuals they believed were police officers.
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The suspects were also linked to the deaths of three Thai nationals—Wichian and Chantana, and their 18-year-old daughter, Nichapha—whose bodies were discovered bound and shot in a coconut grove roughly 2km from where the siblings were buried.
Broader Impact and Official Response
The scale of the crimes has prompted a strong reaction from Thai leadership. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul condemned the acts, telling the Thai Enquirer that the violence was “brutally cruel” and threatened the trust the country aims to maintain with the international community. The investigation continues as authorities process the evidence found at both the cemetery and the coconut grove.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Police tracked the suspects through Chanthaburi after discovering the dismantled motorbike and receiving leads from local witnesses in the Huai Yai area.
- The men were originally wanted for night-time vehicle theft and receiving stolen goods, but have since confessed to multiple murders.
- The Russian siblings were found in a grave about one meter deep in a remote area near Khao Chi Chan, Chon Buri.