Following the arrest of a four-member gang responsible for murdering five people, including two Russian siblings, in the popular Thai tourist destination of Pattaya, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul apologized to Russia and vowed strict punishment.

According to local media such as RIA Novosti, The Nation, and the Bangkok Post on August 3, local time, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow held a press conference stating that both Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and he recently called Russian Ambassador to Thailand Evgeny Tomikhin to express their condolences over the murder of the Russian siblings.

Minister Sihasak said, "All Thai citizens were shocked upon hearing this news, and it was an even greater shock, especially given that two such young people were killed."

Previously, on July 26, two Russian siblings—a 22-year-old sister and a 17-year-old brother—went missing in Pattaya.

Police investigating the case arrested two suspects, a 49-year-old man and a 39-year-old man, on July 31. Based on their confessions, police discovered the bodies of a total of five victims, including the two Russian siblings and three members of a Thai family, in a forest near Pattaya.

The following day, police arrested two additional suspects and formally charged all four members of the gang with premeditated murder, concealing bodies, robbery, and rape.

Prime Minister Anutin also made an emergency visit to the crime scene on August 1 to inspect the area where the bodies were found, stating, "This murder case is equivalent to killing the entire nation, as it undermines public trust and tarnishes Thailand's reputation."

In an interview with RIA Novosti, he said, "I sincerely apologize to all Russian citizens for what happened to the two young Russians who had been living in Thailand for seven years," adding, "Such an incident should never have happened."

He further emphasized, "The investigation and trial for those responsible for this case will be conducted strictly in accordance with our country's laws, and I promise that the perpetrators will face the highest level of punishment."

(Photo: Yonhap News)