PATTAYA, Thailand – The Pattaya Provincial Court has denied temporary release for two defendants charged in connection with the robbery, alleged rape and deaths of two Russian siblings, October 2, while scheduling a rights-protection hearing for October 20.
The case, black case No. A.1038/2026, was brought by the Pattaya Provincial Public Prosecutor against Thana “Pong” Kerdthong and Thongchai “Thong”, who face nine charges related to the incident. The victims’ bodies were allegedly concealed in Huai Yai subdistrict, Banglamung district, Chonburi.
During the plea hearing, the court read and explained the indictment to both defendants before taking their pleas. Both defendants pleaded guilty to charges involving firearms, ammunition, military equipment and grenades; falsely identifying themselves and acting as officials without authority; detaining or confining another person; and jointly concealing, moving or destroying bodies to conceal the deaths and their causes.
They also pleaded guilty to the charge of jointly committing nighttime robbery while falsely claiming to be officials, wearing police-style uniforms or clothing intended to make others believe they were police officers, possessing and using firearms, and using a vehicle in the commission of the offence, resulting in death. However, both defendants denied the charge of jointly killing another person with premeditation in preparation for, or to facilitate, another offence.
On the rape-related charge, alleging that the offence was committed using force while the victim was unable to resist, involving a firearm and resulting in death, Thana “Pong” denied the charge, while Thongchai “Thong” pleaded guilty.
Because both defendants denied some of the charges, the court ordered the case to enter the rights-protection process and scheduled a hearing for October 20, 2026, at 9 a.m. The rights-protection process is a judicial mechanism intended to ensure that defendants and other parties understand and can exercise their legal rights, while also safeguarding victims’ access to justice and compensation.
The court also issued detention warrants for both defendants and denied temporary release during the trial. The court cited the severity of the potential penalties, the alleged circumstances of the case, the prosecution’s objection to bail and concerns that release could allow the defendants to flee, interfere with evidence or cause other harm. The next hearing is scheduled for October 20 at 9 a.m., when the court will proceed with the rights-protection process before continuing proceedings on the charges the defendants have denied.
