Thai authorities believe the murders of two Russian siblings and a Thai family of three in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, were carried out by the same criminal gang, who allegedly disguised themselves as police officers to gain access to victims’ homes.
Provincial Police Region 2 commissioner Pol Lt Gen Chatchai Surachetphong said investigators uncovered the burial sites of all five victims in the Huai Yai subdistrict area, with the locations situated about two kilometres apart.
He said suspects Thana Kerdthong, known as “Pong”, and Thongchai Srinil, known as “Thong”, led police to the first burial site in a forested area known locally as Sak Ngaeo forest, where the bodies of the Russian siblings were discovered.
Investigators were later taken to a coconut plantation nearby, where a second grave was found containing the remains of a Thai couple and their child, who had been buried together in one pit.
Police said the Thai family’s murder involved four suspects, including Thana and Thongchai, while two others, identified as Chatchanan Paen-iam, also known as “Fluke”, and Atsadang Chuwong, known as “Ball”, remain at large.
According to preliminary investigations, the suspects allegedly entered the family’s home while posing as police officers and claimed they needed to conduct a search. The victims were then reportedly restrained and taken away before being killed and buried.
Authorities are continuing investigations to determine the individual roles played by each suspect and whether the group was involved in other criminal activities.
In the case involving the Russian siblings, police found both bodies buried together in a grave about one metre deep. The victims were discovered fully clothed, with the woman’s body placed beneath the man’s.
Initial forensic examinations showed signs of physical assault on the woman, while the man had suffered gunshot wounds to the abdomen and head. Police said no evidence of sexual assault had been found so far, with a full post-mortem examination still pending.
Police said statements from the suspects were generally consistent with evidence gathered at the scene. The suspects allegedly claimed they did not know the Russian siblings and had intended only to steal their motorcycle, which was later dismantled and sold for parts.
Investigators are also examining the suspects’ backgrounds to determine whether they are linked to other crimes. Police said the main suspect had only been released from prison about two months earlier, while efforts continue to locate the two remaining suspects.
Meanwhile, a relative of the Thai victims, Tukta, described the emotional search for her sister, brother-in-law and child, which lasted more than a month before the discovery of the burial site.
She said the family had repeatedly contacted police and followed up on leads but had been unable to uncover the truth until investigations into the Russian siblings’ disappearance led authorities to the victims.
Tukta urged police to ensure all individuals involved in the killings are brought to justice and called for answers for every victim affected by the tragedy.
