The arrest of two suspects who confessed to killing two Russian siblings in Chon Buri has led to the discovery of a Thai family of three who had been reported missing two months ago.
Ex-convict Thana Kerdthong, 43, and Thongchai Srinil, 39, who were arrested in Sa Kaeo on Friday, were taken by police to the burial site of the young Russians in Chon Buri later that night.
The site was in a forest in tambon Huai Yai of Bang Lamung district, about two kilometres from where the killings took place, according to police.
The bodies of Diana Nazimova, 22, and her brother, Roman Nazimov, 17, were found buried together in a grave about one metre deep. They had been missing since July 26.
The older sister, whose body was found on top, showed signs of physical assault. Her brother had been shot once in the head and once in the abdomen.
Both victims were found lying on the ground without being wrapped or hidden, and were still fully clothed.
A preliminary examination found no evidence that the female victim had been sexually assaulted, police said.
Nearby, officers found the bodies of a father, mother and daughter buried together in a single grave in a coconut grove.
Thana, one of the suspects in the slaying of the Russians, had confessed to killing the family, who also lived in Bang Lamung, claiming the motive was robbery.
Investigators then arrested two other suspects, identified as Chatchanan Paen-aiam and Atsadang Chuwong.
According to the confession, the suspects went to the victims’ house posing as police officers and handcuffed the husband and wife, who were the only people home at the time.
The couple’s daughter later returned from a convenience store and was restrained. Investigators said the suspects then took all three to another location, shot them dead and buried their bodies.
Police are continuing to verify Thana’s statements and investigate whether he may be linked to other crimes.
