Russian Tourist Found Beheaded in Pattaya, Thai Police Probe Alleged Drug Debt Motive
en01.web.id – Thailand. A Russian tourist was found murdered in a brutal killing in Pattaya, Chonburi Province, Thailand, after the victim’s severed head was discovered buried in a shallow grave on the outskirts of the resort city. Thai police said the case is being investigated as a premeditated murder, with a suspected motive linked to a drug-related debt dispute.
The case came to light following a missing person report filed after the victim failed to return to his temporary accommodation and could not be contacted for several days. Police launched a search based on CCTV footage, witness statements, and the victim’s last known movements in Pattaya.
The investigation escalated when officers uncovered a human head buried shallowly in a remote area of Pattaya. Forensic examinations later confirmed that the remains belonged to the missing Russian national, prompting authorities to officially classify the case as a homicide involving severe violence.
“The victim is a Russian citizen who entered Thailand as a tourist and was last known to be staying in Pattaya. Preliminary findings indicate the death was not natural and involved extreme violence,” a representative of the Chonburi Provincial Police said in an official statement on Tuesday.
According to investigators, initial findings suggest the victim had serious financial disputes connected to illegal drug transactions, which may have triggered the killing. Police said the suspected motive is supported by evidence recovered during the investigation, witness testimonies, and an analysis of the victim’s communications prior to his disappearance.
“We believe the motive may be linked to a drug-related debt. The investigation is ongoing to determine the full sequence of events and whether additional individuals were involved,” the police official added.
As the investigation progressed, Thai authorities arrested two suspects, who are believed to have played direct roles in the killing and the concealment of the body. Both suspects are currently in custody and face charges including premeditated murder and concealment of a corpse under Thai criminal law.
Investigators stated that the decapitation was allegedly carried out to destroy evidence and delay identification. Police teams continue to conduct searches at multiple locations to ensure no additional remains have been hidden elsewhere.
Thai police emphasized that the case remains under active investigation and have not ruled out the possibility of additional suspects or links to a wider transnational drug network. Meanwhile, the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Thailand has been formally notified and is coordinating with local authorities regarding legal proceedings and the repatriation of the victim’s remains.
Tim Redaksi
(rd/ks/jk)