Tragedy at Sea: Russian Father Charged in Son’s Death in Phangnga

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Artem, 45, a Russian national suspected of killing his son, sits in a police vehicle while being transported to detention at Takua Pa Provincial Court on January 24, 2025.

PHANGNGAA Russian tourist is facing murder charges after allegedly pushing his 13-year-old son overboard from a passenger boat off Phangnga Province, resulting in the boy’s death.

The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on January 22 when crew members of the Sabina 111 vessel reported a child overboard approximately 200 meters from Koh Ra island. Despite rescue efforts and immediate medical attention, the boy was pronounced dead after being rushed to shore.

Police identified the victim as Lucas, a 13-year-old Thai-Russian boy from Nakhon Phanom Province. According to boat captain Rujirot Hemmin, the father, Artem, 45, was seen lifting his son and pushing him overboard near the boat’s bow. Artem then jumped into the water and reportedly refused rescue attempts while crew members retrieved the injured boy, who had sustained wounds believed to be from the boat’s propeller.

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Police officers from Kuraburi Police Station, Phangnga, escort Artem to detention at Takua Pa Provincial Court on January 24, 2025.

Investigation revealed the father-son duo had been staying at Surin Islands National Park since November 2024. Police suspect family issues as the motive, citing the father’s separation from Lucas’s Thai mother and the boy’s planned return to live with her.

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During questioning at Kuraburi Police Station, Artem claimed memory loss and provided inconsistent statements. He has been charged with intentional murder and is being held at Takua Pa Provincial Court while denying all charges.

The boy’s body has been sent to Surat Thani Hospital’s Forensic Center for examination.

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