Police escorted a gang accused of burying victims alive to Pattaya Provincial Court. "Pong" kept his head bowed silently, while "Thong" cried openly, apologizing to the victims and claiming he was forced to act. Authorities pressed multiple serious charges.
In the case of two Russian siblings buried alive in Huay Yai Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, Mr. Thana or “Pong,” 43, and Mr. Thongchai or “Thong,” 39, confessed. Thong also admitted to a similar incident involving three family members—parents and a child—who had been previously reported missing. They claimed robbery as the motive before authorities took them to the burial site, located near where the Russian siblings were found. The three bodies matched those reported missing. Two more youths, Mr. Atsadang or Ball and Mr. Chatchanan or Fluke, were implicated in the murders. Authorities later arrested them, as previously reported.
At 11:30 a.m., Chonburi’s NPP unit escorted all four suspects—Mr. Thongchai or Thong, Mr. Thana or Pong, Mr. Atsadang or Ball, and Mr. Chatchanan or Fluke—in a line onto a prison transport vehicle. Relatives of the three-member family shouted angrily at the suspects.
Mr. Pong appeared stern and kept his head down, refusing to answer questions. Meanwhile, Mr. Thong wept loudly, apologized, and said he was forced by Pong to participate. The suspects were then taken to Pattaya Provincial Court for detention.
Investigators charged the suspects with premeditated murder, nighttime robbery involving two or more persons while impersonating police officers, using firearms and vehicles to facilitate robbery causing death, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, carrying firearms in public without cause, possession of explosives, impersonation and acting as officials, unlawful detention, and secretly burying or destroying bodies to conceal evidence.
Relatives of the three victims said they came to the police station to provide additional statements and follow the suspects' detention process but avoided contact with Pong and Thong due to lingering anger and trauma. They demanded the suspects receive the maximum penalties under the law, believing the perpetrators lack remorse and could reoffend if released.
Regarding police work, the relatives acknowledged the heavy workload but urged greater focus on missing persons cases and more attention to public distress. During the families’ long search, they sought information through various channels but received little clear progress.
The relatives affirmed their current demand that all involved be punished according to the law. They also called for thorough police investigation into motives, financial trails, and any other participants to reveal the full truth and restore justice for the three victims.
