PM Anuthin Visits Five Murder Scenes, Vows No Leniency
Prime Minister Anuthon visited five murder scenes in Chon Buri where Russian tourists and local residents were killed, vowing his government will pursue maximum penalties and refuse sentence reductions for violent crimes.
On August 1, Prime Minister Anuthon Charnweerakul, accompanied by National Police Commissioner General Kittarat Panpetch and Chon Buri Governor Narit Niramaiwan, visited the locations where Russian tourists and others were found dead in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. The prime minister arrived by helicopter and inspected the site where two Russian visitors were discovered in the Chakangaew forest, then traveled about two kilometers to a coconut plantation where the bodies of three family members were found.
Anuthon stated that the government will not support reducing sentences for those convicted of violent crimes that harm public and tourist confidence. He ordered increased security measures and area patrols to prevent similar incidents. The prime minister expressed condolences to the victims' families and apologized to Russian tourists and citizens, emphasizing that the crimes were the acts of individuals, not a reflection of Thailand's overall safety.
Regarding the suspect's previous criminal history, Anuthon indicated the need to review law enforcement measures and instructed investigators to prepare comprehensive case files for the court's sentencing consideration. He noted that while Thailand retains capital punishment under law, sentencing remains the court's authority, and the government's role is to prosecute through the full justice process to ensure the perpetrators receive appropriate punishment.
