The Prime Minister visited the site where five bodies were found, firmly declaring no reduction in penalties for brutal murderers who damage national confidence. He insisted on severe punishment to prevent setting a precedent and offered apologies to the victims' families and Russian tourists.
At 13:00 on 1 August 2026 GMT+7, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as Minister of Interior, along with National Police Chief Police General Kittirat Phanphet and Chonburi Governor Narit Niramaiwong, visited the area to follow up on the case involving the murder of two Russian siblings and a total of five deaths in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. The delegation traveled by helicopter, landing at the Wihan Sian helipad before inspecting the site where the two Russian tourists' bodies were found within the Sak Ngiew forest area.
Meanwhile, police officers and rescue personnel from Sawang Boriboon Pattaya presented a briefing before proceeding to the site where three more bodies were found, believed to be victims of the same perpetrator, in a coconut plantation about two kilometers away.
After the visit, the Prime Minister stated that the government will not support sentence reductions for offenders in heinous cases that undermine public and tourist confidence. He emphasized tightening security measures and increased surveillance to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
The Prime Minister also expressed condolences to the victims' families and apologized to Russian tourists and citizens, emphasizing that this was the act of an individual criminal and does not reflect the overall safety of Thailand. He affirmed that authorities will expedite apprehension of accomplices and pursue full legal action.
Regarding the suspect who had a prior imprisonment record but reoffended, the Prime Minister said it is necessary to review law enforcement measures. He instructed investigators to prepare the case thoroughly so that courts have complete information for sentencing.
Addressing public calls for the death penalty, the Prime Minister noted that Thailand still retains capital punishment under the law, but sentencing is the court's prerogative. The government is responsible for pursuing the case through the justice system to ensure offenders are punished according to law and to deter others.
Subsequently, the Prime Minister received briefings on the investigation and arrest of suspects in the case involving five deaths, including Thana, known as “Pong,” and his accomplices, before closely monitoring case developments.
