Thailand’s Department of Corrections has defended its handling of a former inmate’s release, saying it completed every stage of the legal risk assessment process before he was freed.
The statement follows public concern over the case, which has raised questions about community safety and the tourism image of Chon Buri province.
The department extended its condolences to the families affected. It said the two men involved were both former inmates held strictly under court sentencing, and released only once their terms were complete.
Thana, known by the nickname ‘Pong’, was transferred from Pattaya Special Prison to Rayong Central Prison on February 22, 2021. He had been convicted of attempted murder, firearms offences and drug offences.
His sentence totalled seven years, seven months and 25 days. He completed it on June 5, 2026.
Throughout his time in custody, Thana did not receive any special benefits such as a royal pardon, parole or a reduction in his sentence. His release came only once his court-ordered term had run its full course.
Before his release, the department carried out a formal risk assessment through a prison-level committee. The panel included the prison director, along with representatives from the provincial probation office, the provincial police, the provincial administration and public health or hospital services.
The committee recommended post-release monitoring under Section 22 of the Act on Measures for the Prevention of Repeat Offences in Sexual or Violent Crimes B.E. 2565 (2022), known as JSOC. It then referred the matter for further review under Section 16, before provincial prosecutors petitioned the court under Section 24.
Rayong Provincial Court heard the petition on January 13, 2026. It ordered two years of post-release monitoring.
The conditions bar Thana from high-risk activities, require him to report to a probation officer every three months, and mandate rehabilitation treatment as directed.
He later asked to transfer his reporting duties to the Chon Buri Provincial Probation Office so he could live with a guardian in Huai Yai Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri province.
The second man named in the statement, Thongchai Srinin, was convicted for methamphetamine use. He was held and released under standard procedure from Pattaya Special Prison on September 3, 2025, and was not subject to JSOC monitoring.
The Department of Corrections said it had not been negligent or abandoned its role in preventing repeat offences. It stated it had fulfilled its legal responsibilities in full, from classifying inmates and assessing risk to petitioning the court for monitoring measures.
The department added that it remains ready to share detailed behavioural data with relevant authorities to support prosecutions and help close gaps in public safety.
After their release, these two men have commit to killing two Russian siblings who vanished in Pattaya on July 28. Police arrested 43 year old Thana Kirdthong and 39 year old Thongchai Srinin in Sa Kaeo province on July 31 as the pair allegedly tried to leave the country. Investigators said Thongchai told police that Thana shot both siblings, 22 year old Diana Nazimova and 17 year old Roman Nazimova, before burying their bodies near Khao Chi Chan, Sattahip district. Thana later confessed, saying he shot Roman and fatally assaulted Diana, denying sexual assault. He said the motive was stealing their motorcycle.
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