Court Denies Bail for Two Men in Five Chonburi Murders
A Pattaya court rejected bail for two men accused of murdering five people, including a Russian brother and sister, whose bodies were found buried in Chonburi, citing flight risk and the severity of the charges.
PATTAYA — On August 1, 2026, the Pattaya Provincial Court denied bail for two men accused in the killings of five people whose bodies were buried in Chonburi, citing the seriousness of the alleged crimes, the severe potential penalties, and the risk that they could flee.
Police from Huai Yai Police Station brought Thana, 43, also known as Pong, and Thongchai, 39, also known as Thong, before the court for their first detention hearing.
The men are accused of killing a 22-year-old Russian woman and her 17-year-old brother after the siblings disappeared with a motorcycle in Chonburi. Their bodies were later found buried.
Police said the suspects also confessed during questioning to killing a family of three — a father, mother and child — and burying their bodies in a nearby area.
In the case involving the Russian siblings, the suspects face charges including jointly committing premeditated murder to obtain or retain benefits from another offence and to conceal another crime, committing robbery at night while dressed as police officers, and jointly possessing firearms and ammunition without permission.
The court rejected their bail applications, noting that they had been arrested under court warrants, faced serious charges carrying heavy penalties and were considered a flight risk. Investigators also opposed their temporary release.
The court separately denied bail in the case involving the family of three, Pattaya Provincial Court case No. 597/2569.
The charges in that case include jointly committing premeditated murder to obtain or retain benefits arising from another offence and to conceal another crime, committing robbery at night while impersonating police officers, and jointly possessing firearms and ammunition.
The court again cited the severity of the alleged offences, the potential punishment, investigators' objections and concerns that the suspects could flee.
Corrections Department officers later transferred both men to Pattaya Remand Prison.
