CHONBURI — White flowers covered the site where the bodies of Russian siblings Diana and Roman were found on 6 August as their family held a final memorial ceremony, joined by senior officials, Buddhist monks and members of the public paying their last respects.
The ceremony was led by the siblings’ mother, Sharina Nazimova, at the spot in Huai Yai subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, where the bodies were discovered. Prayers were also offered for the three Thai victims who were allegedly killed by the same suspect.
The case shocked Thailand after police alleged that the suspect was responsible for the murders of Russian siblings Diana and Roman as well as three Thai nationals in separate incidents. Investigators say all five killings were carried out by the same suspect, who has been arrested and is facing prosecution on multiple counts of premeditated murder.
The religious ceremony was presided over by Phra Khru Kasem Kittisophon, abbot of Wat Samakkhibanphot in Sattahip district. Among those attending were Chonburi Governor Narit Niramaiwong, Chonburi Provincial Police commander Maj. Gen. Pongphan Wongmanithet, Bang Lamung District Chief Anusak Piriyamorn, Huai Yai police chief Pol. Col. Worawut Nittayawan, other government officials, and large numbers of Thai and foreign mourners.
The memorial was marked by scenes of grief as relatives and well-wishers laid white carnations, lilies and roses at the site where the siblings’ bodies were found. The white flowers symbolized purity, respect and a peaceful farewell.
The family also placed a cup of coffee — Diana’s favorite drink — at the memorial site in remembrance of her, a gesture that deeply moved those attending. Throughout the ceremony, Nazimova was overcome with emotion and wept as relatives, friends and mourners comforted her.
Speaking after the ceremony, Nazimova thanked the Thai people, government agencies, police officers and volunteers who had supported her family since the tragedy. She said the compassion and kindness shown by people in Thailand had given the family strength during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
The memorial marked the family’s final farewell to Diana and Roman. Family members, friends and members of the public expressed hope that the judicial process would proceed swiftly and that the suspect would be held fully accountable for the deaths of all five victims.
The family, who are Buddhists, said Diana and Roman were raised solely by their mother.
