Two Thai Men Confess to Murdering Russian Siblings in Pattaya

Two Thai men, Thanu Katthong (Pong, 43) and Thongchai Sirini (Thong, 39), confessed to murdering Russian siblings Diana Nazimova, 22, and Roman Nazimov, 17, who disappeared in Pattaya on July 26. The suspects claim they shot Roman during a motorcycle robbery attempt and beat Diana to death; their bodies remain missing in Chonburi Province. Pong has a prior criminal record including attempted murder and firearm convictions.

Quick Facts

Siblings left home on rented Honda motorcycle early morning July 26
Mother received text message 'Urgent!' from Diana 20 minutes after departure
Motorcycle discovered disassembled and buried near abandoned cemetery July 29
Two primary suspects detained July 31
Suspects confessed to shooting Roman during robbery attempt

Diana Nazimova, 22, and her brother Roman Nazimov, 17, disappeared from Pattaya, Thailand on July 26, 2026. The siblings, originally from Tyumen, Russia, had lived in Thailand with their mother for approximately five years. They left home early in the morning on a rented Honda motorcycle around 4 a.m. Within 20 minutes, their mother in Bangkok received a single text message from Diana reading "Urgent!" before all contact was lost.

On July 29, Thai police discovered the motorcycle dismantled and buried in multiple pits near an abandoned cemetery (Thung Luang) in a forested area. Surveillance footage showed another motorcycle following the siblings before they stopped near a bridge overpass. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and male voices in the forest on the night of the disappearance. Over 200 police, rescue workers, and volunteers participated in the search effort.

On July 31, Thai police detained two primary suspects: 43-year-old Thanu Katthong (known as Pong) and 39-year-old Thongchai Sirini (known as Thong). Both men confessed to the murders during interrogation. According to their statements, they attempted to rob the motorcycle. When Roman resisted, they shot him; Diana was then beaten to death. The motive was theft of the motorcycle. The suspects led authorities to a location in the Khao Chi Chan mountains of Chonburi Province where they claimed the bodies were buried, though remains have not yet been recovered.

Pong has an extensive criminal history including attempted murder (released from prison less than two months before the incident), two firearm-related convictions (2016 and 2018), and a 2020 child abduction charge. Witnesses reported seeing Pong digging earth on July 28 and both men covered in dirt the morning of July 26. Two additional local residents were initially detained on suspicion of aiding the main perpetrators but were released without charges after questioning, as they were classified as witnesses.

Diana had expressed concerns to her mother shortly before the disappearance that someone was tracking her; her iPhone had detected an unknown Bluetooth device. The Russian Embassy in Bangkok stated it would provide full assistance to the family and was in contact with Thai authorities. The investigation into the circumstances of the deaths remains ongoing.

Topics

News Crime World

#Russia #motorcycle #motorcycle robbery #Thailand #Thai police #Tyumen #murder #confession #Pattaya #missing persons

Entities

Why This Matters

Two Russian nationals disappeared and are declared murdered in Thailand; Thai police have detained and obtained confessions from two suspects with prior criminal records, though bodies remain unrecovered. The case involves cross-border family loss, Thai law enforcement response, and ongoing investigation coordination between Russian diplomatic services and Thai authorities. Families of foreign nationals in Thailand are affected by safety and body recovery outcomes; travel and security perceptions for Russian residents and tourists in the region may shift based on case resolution.

Timeline & Sources

Jul 26, 2026

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Diana and Roman leave home on rented Honda motorcycle from Pattaya

Jul 26, 2026

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Mother in Bangkok receives text message 'Urgent!' from Diana; contact is then lost

Jul 31, 2026

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Thai police pursue and apprehend primary suspects Thanu Katthong (Pong) and Thongchai Sirini (Thong) attempting to escape in Sa Kaeo Province

Jul 31, 2026

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Both suspects confess during interrogation to murdering the Russian siblings; claim bodies are buried in Khao Chi Chan mountains