Pattaya Prison Commander Details Strict Custody of Suspects in Five-Body Murder Case; Notes Main Suspect “Pong” Has Prior Record of Violence Behind Bars
Pattaya-
Pattaya Special Prison Commander Phatsaphong Jaiklongklaeo has outlined the strict measures being applied to the suspects in the high-profile case involving the murder and concealment of five bodies of two young Russian siblings and a Thai family near Pattaya.
The prison has taken custody of three men: Thana “Pong” Koetthong, Thongchai “Thong” Srinil, and Atthaphang “Ball” Chuangham. All three have been placed in separate quarantine for five days under continuous 24-hour surveillance to prevent self-harm or attacks by other inmates. A fourth suspect, Fluke, who claims to have been forced to aid the other suspects, remains under police investigation and has not yet been transferred to the prison and is being held elsewhere while continuing to have interviews with Huai Yai police.
Commander Phatsaphong said the three men are in normal physical condition, are eating regularly, and show no particular signs of stress or fear, though they appear somewhat detached. Staff continue to monitor their behavior closely through CCTV cameras and assistant officers, given the intense public attention surrounding the case.
Regarding Pong, the commander noted that he has previously been held at Pattaya Special Prison on three occasions. In 2021, he was involved in a violent incident with other inmates that led to his transfer to Rayong Central Prison. He was released on June 2nd of this year; his most recent conviction before that release was for attempted murder. Pong, with his extensive criminal history and former prison time, seems calm and shows no signs of stress over the seriousness of the situation.
The prison has implemented special precautions, including keeping co-defendants in separate cells, checking for any existing networks or former associates among the current inmate population, and conducting ongoing security risk assessments. The prison has said the suspects are getting no special privileges, aid, support, or assistance while being held in remand until their trial.
On inmate classification, Commander Phatsaphong explained that if the suspects receive final murder convictions, they would be placed in the most severe category, “requires substantial improvement.” Advancement from this level typically takes many years and reduces the likelihood of sentence reductions or parole compared with inmates in less serious cases. Classification follows legal criteria rather than prison discretion.
Addressing electronic monitoring (EM) bracelets to be used while in the prison, the commander clarified that the prison routinely proposes the measure in serious cases. However, the final decision rests with the court, acting on a request from the public prosecutor under the Act on Measures to Prevent Recidivism.
Concerning reports that Pong has a history of psychiatric treatment or psychotropic medication, the commander stated that initial physical and mental health screenings have found no abnormalities or relevant information. Nursing staff and clinical psychologists will continue close monitoring throughout the period of detention.
