Russian Siblings Vanish Near Pattaya as Police Probe Possible Foul Play
Russian Siblings Vanish Near Pattaya as Police Probe Possible Foul Play
PATTAYA, 30 July 2026 —: Thai police have launched a full criminal investigation into the disappearance of two Russian siblings after parts of their dismantled motorcycle were discovered buried in an old cemetery in Chonburi province, authorities said.
More than 200 police officers, government officials, rescue workers and local residents searched forests surrounding the Thung Luang cemetery in Bang Lamung district on July 29, but Diana Nazimova, 22, and Roman Nazimova, 17, remained missing by the end of the day.
According to police, the siblings left their home in Bristol Park village in Huay Yai at around 4 a.m. on July 26 aboard a Honda ADV motorcycle. Their family believed they were heading to a nearby convenience store, but they subsequently lost contact.
Investigators reviewing CCTV footage said the pair were seen returning from the Map Ta Phut–Na Jomtien motorway before stopping for about two minutes to speak with unidentified men riding another motorcycle. The group then reportedly travelled together toward Chak Ngaeo Road near Wat Yang Yai.
The siblings’ mother, Zarina, reported them missing to Huay Yai Police Station on July 28, telling investigators that neither of her children could speak Thai, heightening the family’s concerns.
The investigation escalated on July 29 after local officials discovered dismantled parts of the siblings’ motorcycle buried in two separate pits at the old Thung Luang cemetery, approximately 100 metres apart.
Police said one pit contained the motorcycle’s engine, wheels, suspension and body panels, while the second held the frame, seat, handlebars and additional bodywork.
Forensic officers collected the recovered parts for DNA, fingerprint and bloodstain analysis. Police said the discovery prompted investigators to treat the case as a criminal investigation rather than solely a missing persons inquiry.
Authorities searched nearby forests using drones and ground teams, while also inspecting an abandoned charcoal kiln and an area where villagers reported hearing gunshots on one or two recent nights. Officers also examined a location where a foul odor had been reported and recovered discarded bedding, a jar of petroleum jelly, shoes and old clothing, although investigators said they had not established any connection between those items and the disappearance.
Police said they are searching for four suspects who were reportedly seen fleeing the area as officers approached.
Investigators are also examining possible links to a man known as “Pong,” whom police have identified as a person of interest. Authorities stressed that he has not been charged with or convicted of any offence.
On the afternoon of July 29, police surrounded a house in Huay Yai after receiving reports that Pong and another man, identified as Thong, were hiding there. Neither man was found.
According to the homeowner, who identified herself as Thong’s sister, the two men arrived at the property on the morning of July 26, covered in mud, stayed for about an hour and then left. She also told investigators that Pong claimed to be a police officer and said he was carrying a firearm.
The search for the missing siblings remains ongoing. Authorities have not announced any arrests, and the whereabouts of Diana and Roman Nazimova remain unknown.
