Missing Russian siblings found murdered and buried in PattayaLegacyTwo Thai men arrested today, July 31, in Sa Kaeo over the disappearance of two Russian siblings in Pattaya reportedly confessed to killing them and burying their bodies. The case attracted public after the Russian mother, Sarina Nazimova, reported her children, 22 year old Diana Nazimova and 17 year old Roman Nazimova, missing at Huay Yai Police Station on July 28. Police said CCTV footage showed the siblings for the last time near a bridge on the Map Ta Phut-Na Jomtien Motorway. The pair were seen speaking with an unidentified man and being followed by another motorcyclist shortly before they disappeared. On July 29, residents alerted police after seeing four men carrying digging equipment near an abandoned crematorium close to the bridge at about 10pm on July 28. Thana “Pong” Kirdthong | Photo via Amarin TV Officers searched the area and found the motorcycle rented by the Russian siblings dismantled and buried in two separate pits. A registration plate recovered from the site confirmed it belonged to the missing pair’s motorcycle. Police expanded the search and deployed K-9 units to look for evidence and the missing siblings. During the investigation, residents identified a local man known as Pong as a possible suspect. They said the location where the motorcycle was buried was close to Pong’s residence. According to the reports on Thai media outlets, Pong was the motorcyclist seen following the siblings before they disappeared. Police also said he had previous convictions related to child abduction and illegal firearm possession. Police later searched a house in Pattaya believed to be connected to the investigation, but Pong was not found. Photo via Amarin TV On the evening of today, July 31, officers arrested Pong, identified as 43 year old Thana Kirdthong, together with 39 year old Thongchai “Thong” Srinin in Wang Sombun district, Sa Kaeo province. Police said the pair were arrested while allegedly attempting to leave the country. According to investigators, Thongchai told police that Thana shot both Russian siblings before the bodies were buried on a mountain. Police believe the burial site is near Khao Chi Chan in Sattahip district, Chon Buri. Police said Thana later admitted killing the two siblings during questioning. According to police, he said he shot Roman and assaulted Diana, causing her death. Police also said he denied sexually assaulting Diana. Investigators said Thana told officers the motive was to steal the motorcycle rented by the siblings. Police are taking both accused to the crime scene to reconstruct the events and identify the location where the victims’ bodies are believed to have been buried. Photo via Amarin TV The story Missing Russian siblings found murdered and buried in Pattaya as seen on Thaiger News.

Prime Minister Anuthon Charnweerakul said the Interior Ministry's local exam cheating problem is rooted in human misconduct rather than systemic flaws, and has been fully resolved. He stated that personnel involved have faced arrest warrants, summonses, prosecution, investigations, and reassignment to remove their authority over the matter, with fraudulent exam results annulled. Anuthon emphasized that August-September is the standard civil service transfer season across all ministries, and he is granting each minister the authority to nominate qualified candidates for vacant positions, with senior-level appointments requiring Cabinet approval.

CHIANG RAI — Heavy rainfall has caused the Lao and Korn rivers to overflow their banks and flood homes in parts of Chiang Rai, affecting at least 50 households, while authorities warn that water levels could rise further.

The flood situation in Chiang Rai remained under close watch following continuous accumulated rainfall in upper areas of the province. The heavy rain caused water levels in the Lao and Korn rivers to rise rapidly.

The overflowing water subsequently inundated homes in Pa O Don Chai subdistrict, Mueang district, with at least 50 households initially reported affected. Ten households in Rong Khun village, Moo 1, located along the Lao River, were flooded, while another 40 households in San Sali village, Moo 5, along the Korn River, were affected.

Local administrative organisations and relevant agencies were surveying the damage and preparing to provide assistance to affected residents. Pa O Don Chai Mayor Sirimongkol Khamdee said several days of continuous rain had caused the Korn River to overflow and flood nearby homes. Meanwhile, water levels in the Lao River behind Rong Khun Market had risen rapidly, inundating riverside and low-lying areas at several locations.

Chiang Rai Governor Chuchip Phongchai has ordered the provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office and all relevant agencies to closely monitor the situation, speed up damage assessments and provide assistance to residents as quickly as possible. Authorities have also been instructed to maintain continuous surveillance as water levels remain at risk of rising further.

The Samakkham border special economic zone (old checkpoint) in Sadao district, Songkhla province, is experiencing unprecedented economic hardship following the opening of the new Sadao checkpoint and associated traffic route changes. Tourist arrivals have dropped by 80%, with sales declining by 90%, prompting fears that businesses will be forced to shut down as accumulated losses become unsustainable.

Shop owner Vannuree Samaalai reported that customer numbers have fallen more than 80% since the new checkpoint opened, with some days bringing virtually no customers. Although the old checkpoint remains operational, traffic management protocols now direct all buses and vans exclusively to the new facility, leaving the old checkpoint severely underutilized. While cars and motorcycles can use both checkpoints, the old one is understaffed and time-consuming, with officers sometimes directing customers to the new checkpoint instead.

As fewer people pass through the old checkpoint, foot traffic to the surrounding business zone has collapsed. Multiple operators say they are struggling financially and are calling on the government for intervention. Hotel operator Dr. Sitthipong Sitthipattraprapha noted that businesses in this special economic zone have operated for over 50 years and previously generated thousands of millions of baht in revenue, but now face their worst economic crisis ever. Operators are urging the government to assist them before they are forced to close permanently.

On July 31, 2569, MP Priahth Watchrasindhoo, list MP and deputy leader of the Pheu Thai Party, stated that after revealing financial transaction evidence linking Sorachat and a Senate candidate from Nong Bua Lamphu, he believes Sorachat's responses contain significant contradictions with the new evidence he intends to present. The evidence includes multiple transfers of 553,600 baht from Sorachat to Phannipha, and subsequent transfers of 105,000 baht from Phannipha to seven Senate candidates from Nong Bua Lamphu between June and August 2567.

Priahth outlined three main points of contradiction, ordered from least to most serious:

1. Regarding the transfer of over 550,000 baht from two banks to Phannipha: Sorachat claimed the transfers were unrelated to the Senate election and characterized them as necessary liquidity for Phannipha's operations, including water, electricity, and vehicle repair costs. However, Priahth contends this explanation is insufficiently clear to rule out a connection to the Senate election, especially given that Phannipha subsequently distributed 105,000 baht to seven Senate candidates through bank transfers.

2. Regarding Sorachat's acquaintance with the seven Senate candidates: Sorachat initially told BBC on July 26 that he did not know any of the seven candidates, except Sanunchai Chuayudamthikit, whom he met later through a friend. However, on July 30, Sorachat told another media outlet that he knew three of the seven candidates who were part of his team. Priahth questions why Sorachat's account changed within four days and asks which version is credible.

3. Regarding Sorachat's relationship with Phannipha during and after the Senate election: Sorachat acknowledged that Phannipha was his campaign helper when he ran as an MP candidate in 2566. However, he has consistently stated in interviews that Phannipha was never involved in any aspect of his Senate work, either during the election campaign or after his appointment as Senator. Priahth argues this statement appears to contradict Line chat messages between Phannipha and Sanunchai, which he presented as evidence.