Bangkok: Authorities have deployed K9 dogs and drones to search the forest for additional evidence in the disappearance of two Russian siblings. Meanwhile, the court has issued arrest warrants for "Pong" and "Thong" for allegedly stealing a motorcycle, and a manhunt is underway. Police have also detained "Suea Hoy" and "Phang," suspects in helping the escape, for questioning, but they continue to deny the allegations.
According to Thai News Agency, the case revolves around Diana, 22, and Roman, 17, two Russian siblings who vanished along with their Honda ADV 150 motorcycle from their home in Huai Yai Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, early on July 26th. Villagers reported seeing suspicious activity involving four men with digging equipment in the forest. Upon investigation, police discovered a buried and disassembled motorcycle, confirmed to be the one missing with the siblings.
CCTV footage obtained by the news team shows the suspects, Mr. Pong and Mr. Thong, riding a motorcycle on the Chak Ngaew-Wat Yanasangwararam route on the day of the disappearance. The footage suggests they had just left Mr. Thong's sister's house after showering and changing clothes.
The news team also visited the home of Mrs. Rat, Mr. Pong's aunt, who revealed that her nephew had been released from prison recently and had visited her multiple times. She recounted his last visit on July 27th, when he abruptly left, citing a family emergency. Mrs. Rat expressed concern over Mr. Pong's troubled past and urged him to turn himself in if involved.
Authorities continue their search efforts, establishing a command center and deploying K9 units, rescue workers, and volunteers to key areas, including an old cemetery, abandoned houses, and a reservoir. Investigators noted the loss of a GPS signal from one of the missing siblings' phones near an abandoned house, though the cause remains unclear.
Villagers reported seeing two men resembling the suspects leaving a pond area near where the motorcycle was found. Despite these sightings, no additional clues have emerged.
In a related operation, police surrounded and searched the homes of Suea Hoy and Mr. Phuang, suspected of aiding the suspects' escape. Although Suea Hoy initially evaded capture, he was later found and brought in for questioning alongside Mr. Phuang. Both deny any involvement with Mr. Pong and Mr. Thong, but police remain skeptical and continue their investigation.
Arrest warrants have been issued for Mr. Thana (Pong) and Mr. Thongchai (Thong), both 39, on charges related to theft and receiving stolen goods. Authorities are actively pursuing the suspects in connection with the ongoing investigation.