PATTAYA, Thailand – Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited Huai Yai Police Station in Chonburi to receive updates on two high-profile murder cases that have shocked the public, including the deaths of two Russian tourists and a three-member Thai family. The visit came after Anutin, accompanied by Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet and Chonburi Governor Naris Niramaiwong, inspected the locations where the victims were found. The first site involved the discovery of the bodies of two young Russian tourists, while the second was the location where the bodies of a father, mother and child were found in a coconut plantation area. The two locations are approximately two kilometers apart. After visiting the scenes, the Prime Minister and officials travelled to Huai Yai Police Station to closely monitor progress in both investigations.
At around 3 p.m., relatives of the two Russian victims presented flowers to Anutin in appreciation of the authorities’ efforts in tracking down suspects and moving forward with legal proceedings.
The Prime Minister then received a briefing from investigators covering the timeline of the Russian tourists’ murder case and developments in the three-member family murder case. The briefing was held behind closed doors, with media not permitted to attend. Police said the investigation remains ongoing following the detention of four suspects, who were taken to Pattaya Provincial Court for a detention hearing.
Investigators later brought one of the suspects, Chatchanan Paen-iem, also known as “Fluke,” back for additional questioning as officers continue to examine key issues and expand the investigation. Authorities have not disclosed details of the latest questioning. Meanwhile, reports suggesting that another suspect, identified as Thana, also known as “Pong,” may be linked to more than five murders have not yet been confirmed. Police said the claim remains under investigation and that officers are still collecting evidence and verifying all information before reaching any conclusions. Authorities have pledged to continue a thorough investigation into both cases to ensure all those involved are brought to justice.
