Thailand’s police chief orders an urgent probe into claims Huai Yai officers supplied drugs to accused multiple murderer “Pong”. Detectives are examining phones, summoning witnesses and warning corrupt officers face criminal prosecution.
Thailand’s biggest murder investigation has taken a dramatic new turn after the country’s police chief ordered an urgent probe into allegations that officers supplied narcotics to accused multiple murderer Thana Kertthong, or “Pong.” Witness claims have placed a Huai Yai police officer at the centre of the expanding investigation, triggering mobile phone examinations, fresh witness interviews and a wider review of prisoner release procedures as detectives probe possible police links to organised crime, drug trafficking and the murders of Russian siblings Diana Nazimova, 22, and Roman Nazimov, 17, alongside three Thai victims. Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet has declared there will be no protection for any officer implicated, warning that anyone found involved will face both disciplinary action and criminal prosecution.
Royal Thai Police Commissioner-General Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet has ordered an urgent investigation into explosive allegations that police officers supplied narcotics to accused multiple murder suspect Thana Kertthong, known as “Pong.”
He warned that any officer found involved will face both disciplinary proceedings and criminal prosecution. The order opens a new front in one of Thailand’s biggest murder investigations.
On Tuesday, at Royal Thai Police Headquarters, spokesman and Deputy Inspector-General Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan announced the Commissioner’s directive. He said the investigation must move quickly. However, he stressed it must also remain careful, impartial and evidence-driven. Every allegation, he said, will be tested under normal legal procedures before conclusions are reached.
Police probe claims Huai Yai officers supplied murder suspect ‘Pong’ with drugs as inquiry rapidly widens
The inquiry centres on 43-year-old Thana, one of the principal suspects in the murders of Russian siblings Diana Nazimova, 22, and Roman Nazimov, 17. Yet investigators are now probing allegations extending well beyond the killings. Instead, they are examining claims that Thana obtained narcotics from a police officer attached to Huai Yai Police Station in Chonburi. If substantiated, the allegations would place serving police officers at the centre of an expanding criminal investigation.
The allegations surfaced during an interview on the television programme Hone Krasae. A woman identified as the former wife of one of Thana’s victims described what she claimed to have witnessed. According to her account, Thana regularly collected drugs from his “boss.” She identified that person as a police officer stationed at Huai Yai Police Station. She also claimed Thana promised to buy her gold jewellery after selling the narcotics. Those statements have now become formal evidence under police examination.
In response, Pol. Gen. Kittirat ordered investigators to examine every allegation without delay. He instructed relevant agencies to establish whether the claims have any factual foundation. Moreover, he warned that officers found supporting criminal activity or receiving benefits would receive no protection. Both disciplinary and criminal proceedings, he said, would follow wherever the evidence leads.
Police order phone checks and directs Chonburi commanders to investigate explosive allegations
As part of those instructions, the Commissioner-General ordered the immediate examination of the accused officer’s mobile phone. Investigators will analyse communications, contacts and any digital evidence relevant to the allegations. If clear evidence emerges, legal proceedings will begin immediately. Likewise, any additional officers identified during the investigation will face identical scrutiny. Their phones will also be examined for evidence.
Separately, Pol. Gen. Kittirat directed the Commander of Chonburi Provincial Police to oversee the inquiry personally. He must also report developments directly to the Commissioner-General without delay. Senior officers have been instructed to move quickly while maintaining investigative standards. At the same time, they have been warned against reaching premature conclusions.
Meanwhile, Provincial Police Region 2 has received separate instructions to widen the investigation. Detectives will examine every allegation raised during the Hone Krasae interview. They will summon witnesses who appeared on the programme. In addition, investigators will identify and question anyone capable of providing further evidence. Police said they have a legal obligation to investigate whenever allegations of criminal conduct are made.
Drug claims remain prosecutable as detectives widen hunt for evidence and possible police involvement
Notably, investigators confirmed the alleged drug trafficking offences remain within the statutory limitation period. That means detectives retain full authority to pursue the case. Witnesses can still be questioned. Documentary evidence can still be gathered. Digital devices can still be examined. If the investigation identifies criminal links, legal action will follow against everyone involved.
On another front, investigators are examining whether police officers provided support beyond the alleged drug transactions. Detectives will determine whether officers facilitated criminal activity or accepted benefits from suspects. That inquiry extends beyond narcotics alone. Instead, it covers every allegation suggesting official assistance to organised criminal operations.
According to Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong, investigators will follow the evidence wherever it leads. He said no officer will receive favourable treatment because of rank or position. “The Royal Thai Police will not protect police officers in this manner,” he said. He added that investigation results will be reported both to the Commissioner-General and the public once evidence has been verified.
Prisoner release records reviewed as murder case broadens with fresh witnesses and new concerns
In parallel, Royal Thai Police have launched a broader internal review. Senior investigators are examining prisoner release procedures and transfer arrangements involving the Department of Corrections. The review aims to identify weaknesses or procedural loopholes requiring improvement. Officials said the exercise is intended to reduce the risk of similar problems recurring.
Elsewhere, detectives continue expanding the wider murder investigation centred on Thana. The case already involves multiple homicide inquiries. It also includes organised criminal activity and related offences. Those investigations accelerated after neighbouring graves revealed the bodies of Russian siblings Diana Nazimova and Roman Nazimov alongside three Thai victims. Since then, fresh witnesses and new allegations have steadily widened the inquiry.
Police vow no protection for officers as forensic evidence and witness testimony are collected by police
Equally significant, the latest allegations now place police conduct under direct scrutiny. Investigators will compare witness testimony with electronic evidence, telephone records and other available material. Every statement will be tested independently. Every allegation will require supporting evidence. Senior commanders insist that no finding will rest on speculation.
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For Pol. Gen. Kittirat, the message to the force was unmistakable. Officers who supplied narcotics, supported criminal suspects or accepted benefits will face immediate consequences. Internal disciplinary action will begin first. Criminal prosecution will follow wherever evidence supports charges. He stressed there would be no exceptions.
For now, the investigation continues on several fronts. Witness interviews remain underway. Mobile phones are undergoing forensic examination. Detectives are gathering electronic, documentary and witness evidence.
Meanwhile, Provincial Police Region 2 continues expanding its inquiry into every allegation raised publicly. Senior commanders are expected to receive regular progress reports as investigators work to establish the full truth behind the claims.
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