Five linked murders, two recently released ex-prisoners and a possible death penalty. PM Anutin flew to Pattaya, apologised to the Russian people, said the slain siblings were long-term residents, not tourists, and ordered a wider probe into criminal networks.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul flew by helicopter to Pattaya on Saturday as Thailand’s biggest multiple murder investigation in years entered a dramatic new phase, with police linking the killings of two Russian siblings and a Thai family of three, confirming that both principal suspects had only recently been released from prison, and declaring they now have strong evidence against the accused and their accomplices. As public anger intensified and speculation grew over the possible use of the death penalty, the Prime Minister vowed there would be no leniency, apologised to the Russian people while stressing the slain siblings had lived in Thailand for seven years and should not be portrayed as tourists, and ordered an expanded investigation into drug networks and former inmates as police pursue a particularly outrageous atrocity.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul abandoned his planned schedule on Saturday to fly to Pattaya after police linked the murders of two Russian siblings with the killings of a Thai family of three.
The visit came as investigators declared they had assembled strong evidence against the main suspects and several accomplices. At the same time, officials confirmed both principal suspects had only recently been released from prison under Department of Corrections procedures that complied fully with existing regulations.
Consequently, the revelation intensified scrutiny of repeat offenders and immediately reignited debate over post-release supervision. It also prompted speculation that Thailand’s death penalty could ultimately be sought if convictions are secured.
Prime Minister visits Pattaya as prison release of murder suspects fuels death penalty debate and scrutiny
However, Mr Anutin stressed that sentencing rests entirely with the courts. Instead, he said the government’s duty is to ensure investigators leave no weakness in the prosecution case.
At 1 pm, the Prime Minister arrived in Bang Lamung district with National Police Commissioner Pol Gen Kittirat Phanphet and Chonburi Governor Naris Niramaiwong. The delegation travelled by helicopter before landing at the Viharn Sian helipad.
From there, officers escorted the Prime Minister directly into the investigation zone. First, he inspected the Chak Ngaew forest where police recovered the bodies of Russian siblings Diana Nazimova, 22, and Roman Nazimov, 17. Investigators and Sawang Boriboon Pattaya City rescue personnel then outlined how the grim discovery unfolded and explained the latest evidence.
Afterwards, the delegation drove about two kilometres to a coconut grove where investigators found the bodies of a Thai father, mother and child. Together, the two locations form one murder investigation that has already claimed five lives. Police now believe both killings were carried out by the same criminal network. As a result, detectives are treating every development as part of one expanding inquiry.
Anutin inspects both murder scenes as police link five killings to one criminal network in Bang Lamung
Following the briefings, Mr Anutin delivered one of his toughest public statements since becoming Prime Minister. He vowed there would be no leniency for those responsible.
He also declared that the government would not support reduced penalties for offenders behind exceptionally brutal crimes. Furthermore, he ordered police and security agencies to strengthen patrols and increase preventive operations. He said violent crimes that damage public confidence demand the strongest possible legal response.
The Prime Minister also expressed condolences to the victims’ families before turning directly to the investigation. He instructed detectives to identify not only the killers but every person who helped them.
Accordingly, investigators must prepare meticulous prosecution files supported by complete evidence. Every possible legal loophole must be closed before the case reaches prosecutors, he said. The courts, he added, must receive a complete assessment of every fact before imposing punishment.
Meanwhile, Mr Anutin addressed growing public calls for capital punishment. Thailand still retains the death penalty under its criminal law, he noted. Nevertheless, he reminded reporters that only the courts decide whether it should be imposed. The government’s responsibility, he said, is to build the strongest possible prosecution. Every offender must face justice according to the law.
Anutin orders airtight prosecution as calls grow for death penalty over five shocking murders in Pattaya
In parallel, the Prime Minister ordered detectives to widen the investigation beyond the murders themselves. Police must examine suspected drug trafficking networks connected with the suspects.
They must also investigate former prisoners who maintained contact after release. According to Mr Anutin, the evidence presented during Saturday’s briefing was already clear and sufficient to prosecute the principal suspects and their accomplices.
Police have arrested two main suspects together with several alleged accomplices. Initial findings also established a direct connection between the murders of the Russian siblings and the Thai family.
Consequently, investigators are treating all five deaths as one coordinated case. Detectives also suspect the network was involved in drug trafficking and other illegal activities. However, no evidence has yet confirmed additional homicide victims.
Separately, the Prime Minister appealed directly to the media over its reporting of the case. He urged journalists not to describe the Russian victims as tourists. Instead, he said they had lived in Thailand for more than seven years.
Prime Minister says slain Russian siblings were long-term residents and not tourists visiting Thailand
They regularly travelled between Thailand and Russia while living here with their family. Therefore, he argued the case should not be portrayed internationally as the murder of tourists.
“We confirm that Thailand remains safe for both Thai and foreign nationals,” Mr Anutin said. “This incident was the work of a criminal group with brutal behaviour, and does not reflect the overall security situation of the country.”
Even so, he apologised to the families of the Russian victims and to the Russian people. He also confirmed that legal action would proceed “to the fullest extent” against everyone responsible. In addition, he instructed investigators to oppose bail and ensure every prosecution file was watertight before reaching court.
Later, Pol Gen Kittirat disclosed further details uncovered by investigators. The principal suspect had previously served a prison sentence for drug-related offences. After his release, he remained in contact with former inmates.
According to police, several members of that network later helped him evade capture and supported the crimes. As a consequence, detectives are now tracing everyone connected with those former prison associations.
Police widen hunt into former inmate network and drug links after arrests over five brutal killings
Notably, investigators are expanding the inquiry into organised crime linked with the suspects. They are also examining possible connections with wider drug trafficking operations.
On another front, detectives have begun reviewing missing person reports filed before and after the principal suspect’s release from prison. They hope to determine whether any cases share common evidence or suspects. However, Pol Gen Kittirat stressed that investigators have found no confirmed evidence of additional murder victims.
Even so, officers continue analysing unsolved disappearances while gathering fresh forensic evidence. They are also tracing communications, financial transactions and personal associations linked with the suspects.
At the same time, forensic specialists continue examining evidence recovered from both murder scenes. Police have not ruled out further arrests as the investigation widens.
As part of this, Pol Gen Kittirat announced discussions with the Department of Corrections to strengthen supervision of released prisoners considered at risk of reoffending. The announcement followed confirmation that both principal suspects completed their prison sentences under existing regulations.
Officials stressed that no irregularities had been identified in either release. Even so, the murders have intensified questions about monitoring former prisoners after they leave custody.
On another issue, the National Police Commissioner announced tighter controls on the online sale of uniforms and equipment used to impersonate government officials.
Police tighten prison monitoring and curb fake official uniforms as murder investigation gathers pace
Investigators are examining whether such equipment featured anywhere within the wider criminal network. Police believe stronger regulation will reduce opportunities for criminals to misuse official clothing during future offences.
Regarding tourism, senior police echoed the Prime Minister’s assessment. They said the murders were unlikely to undermine confidence because the Russian victims were long-term residents rather than newly arrived tourists.
Nevertheless, the case has attracted intense international attention. In response, police will strengthen security measures for visitors and residents while expanding patrols in key areas.
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Throughout Saturday’s visit, Mr Anutin repeatedly insisted Thailand remains safe despite the scale of the crimes. He described the murders as the work of an exceptionally violent criminal group rather than evidence of wider security failures.
Finally, he ordered investigators to pursue every remaining lead, identify every accomplice and prepare prosecution files capable of surviving the closest legal scrutiny.
The investigation now continues on multiple fronts. Detectives are examining forensic evidence, communications, financial records and organised crime links while preparing comprehensive prosecution files.
Meanwhile, investigators continue gathering additional material before the cases reach court. Further arrests remain possible. Ultimately, Mr Anutin repeated that every legal loophole must be closed and every participant identified before prosecutors present one of Thailand’s most significant multiple murder cases in recent years.
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Further reading:
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