Accompanied by National Police Chief Kitrat Phanphet, Anutin on Saturday traveled to the province to monitor the investigation into the killings of the five victims, according to The Nation.
Anutin appeared shaken as he examined both sites and received a briefing from investigators, according to media reports.
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Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul walks after a meeting ahead of the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Cebu, central Philippines, on May 7, 2026. Photo by AFP |
He acknowledged that the case had harmed Thailand’s reputation and could affect confidence in Chonburi and Pattaya, which he described as internationally recognized tourism destinations.
“We must restore confidence as much as possible,” he said, as cited by The Nation. “If this is allowed to continue, it would involve offenders repeatedly committing crimes. They did not act only against foreign nationals but also against three Thai people.”
The PM offered an apology to foreign visitors, particularly Russian nationals, and expressed regret that the deaths had occurred in Thailand.
“We must give foreigners the greatest possible confidence,” he said.
“I apologize to the Russian people and offer my condolences, especially when they have encouraged people from their country to visit ours.”
Former convict Thana Kerdthong, 43, and Thongchai Srinil, 39, were arrested in Sa Kaeo province on Friday and later escorted police to the burial site of the Russian victims, who were allegedly murdered for their motorcycle, according to Bangkok Post.
The grave was located in a forested area in Huai Yai subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, Thai police said.
The bodies of Diana Nazimova, 22, and her 17-year-old brother, Roman Nazimov, were found buried together in a grave about one meter deep. The siblings had been missing since July 26.
Nazimova’s body, which was found on top of her brother’s, bore signs of physical assault. Roman had suffered one gunshot wound to the head and another to the abdomen.
Police said both victims were fully clothed and buried without being wrapped or otherwise concealed.
A preliminary examination found no evidence that the woman had been sexually assaulted, investigators said.
Another triple homicide
About two kilometers from the Russians’ grave, police uncovered the bodies of a father, mother, and daughter buried together in a coconut grove.
Authorities said Thana directed officers to the site and confessed to killing the family, claiming robbery was the motive.
The investigation later led to the arrests of two additional suspects, identified as Chatchanan Paen-aiam and Atsadang Chuwong.
According to investigators, the suspects posed as police officers when they arrived at the victims’ home in Bang Lamung. They handcuffed the 53-year-old husband and his 50-year-old wife, who were alone at the residence.
The couple’s 18-year-old daughter returned from a convenience store shortly afterward and was also restrained. Police said the suspects then transported all three victims to another location, shot them, and buried their bodies.
Police are continuing to verify Thana’s statements and are investigating whether he may be connected to other crimes.