BREAKING: Murder of Russian man raises safety concerns in Pattaya

BREAKING: Murder of Russian man raises safety concerns in Pattaya

Pattaya, Feb. 1, 2026 — Thai police said on Saturday they had uncovered the dismembered remains of a 30-year-old Russian national in Pattaya, raising renewed concerns over tourist safety in the popular beach city.

Authorities in Chonburi province said body parts were found buried at five separate locations near a pond in the Soi Phatthanakan 4 area. The victim had been missing for more than three weeks before the discovery.

Police said the man’s disappearance had earlier prompted a public appeal for information. The investigation intensified after his mother travelled from Russia to Thailand to formally file a missing person report.

Investigators said they uncovered threatening chat messages demanding repayment of a debt of more than $120,000, and believe the killing was linked to a financial dispute tied to a failed cannabis business partnership.

One foreign national suspect has been detained for questioning, police said, adding that efforts were under way to identify and arrest possible accomplices, including both Thai and foreign suspects.

The case is being handled by local police in Pattaya. Authorities said the investigation was continuing.

Pattaya, one of Thailand’s most visited tourist destinations, has faced repeated scrutiny over violent crime involving foreign nationals in recent years.

Crime Asia