“Pong” and “Thong” Arrested for Murder of Russian Siblings in Khao Chi Chan

Bangkok: The manhunt concludes with the arrest of "Ai Pong" and "Ai Thong," who confessed to the murder and burial of two Russian siblings in Khao Chi Chan, Chonburi Province. According to Thai News Agency, investigators from Provincial Police Region 2, along with Sa Kaeo and Chanthaburi Provincial Police and military personnel, successfully apprehended Mr. Thana, or "Pong," 43, and Mr. Thongchai, or "Thong," 39. The suspects were hiding in a longan orchard in Wang Somboon District, Sa Kaeo Province, near the Chanthaburi Province border. Both men were wanted on arrest warrants issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court and were found exhausted with mud-stained clothing from evading capture in the forest and nearby orchards. During initial questioning, the suspects confessed to evading a police checkpoint in Ban Khao Laem, Soi Dao District, Chanthaburi Province. They abandoned their motorcycle helmet on the road before fleeing to Sa Kaeo Province. Fearing additional police checkpoints along main roads, they deci ded to hide in the orchard until nightfall, intending to cross into Cambodia, but were apprehended before executing their plan. Under intense interrogation, "Ai Pong" and "Ai Thong" admitted to murdering Miss Diana Nazimova, 22, and Mr. Roman Nazimova, 17, who disappeared on July 26th. After committing the crime, they buried the siblings' naked bodies in a forest near Khao Chi Chan, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province. They dismantled the victims' motorcycle, burying the parts in an old cemetery in Thung Luang, before attempting to flee to eastern Thailand. Following the arrest, Pol. Maj. Gen. Commander of the Investigation Division, Provincial Police Region 2, ordered the suspects to be taken to headquarters for detailed questioning to uncover the motive behind the murder. Coordination with local police, forensic officers, and rescue foundations is underway to search the area near Khao Chi Chan for the victims' remains to advance legal proceedings.