Amid the sun-soaked beaches and vibrant nightlife of Pattaya, a tale unravels that could be ripped straight from a gripping crime thriller. On June 26, 2025, Russian journalist David, a spry 26-year-old with an eye for a good story, found himself in the midst of one more dangerous than he could ever have penned. An alleged escape artist act? Perhaps, but the reality was far darker. Picture this: a labyrinthine hotel on Jomtien Soi 14, handcuffs clattering in pursuit of an elusive freedom. David had been attacked by compatriots, fellow Russians, under the sinister cover of a black bag that obscured more than just his vision.
The attackers, cloaked in malice and pulsing adrenaline, were not just content with a simple assault. Oh no, they went the extra mile, ensuring the threat lingered across borders by sending a menacing video straight to David’s girlfriend. Their final demands were unmerciful: a transfer of Bitcoin and the theft of David’s luxury watch, a Rolex, no less, sparkling ominously with a value exceeding 2 million baht – over US$61,000. With luck mixed into his unmatched determination, David escaped, seeking sanctuary in the arm of justice.
The scene was set; the culprit cornered. Enter Major General Thawatchakiat Jindakhuansanong, Chon Buri’s police maestro, enlisting the talents of Pattaya City Police alongside the venerable Chon Buri Transnational Crime Suppression Centre. Their first catch? Anton Lokotkov, an alleged friend turned Judas, purportedly luring David into the honey trap that was Pattaya before unleashing his four Russian co-conspirators upon him.
Anton protests his innocence with the zeal of a Shakespearean hero falsely accused. Despite CCTV footprints and digital eyes capturing his movements, he remains unyielding, claiming any likeness in the footage is mere coincidence. To add a layer of intrigue, Lokotkov finds himself ensnared in visa woes, having overstayed his welcome by an unlucky 13 days. With charges lining up against him like dominoes, the investigation unfurls like a novel written in twists and turns.
As police pieces together this fateful meet-cute in criminal conspiracy, the drama escalates. David, accompanied by yet another Russian, made that fateful trek from buzzing Bangkok to the unsuspecting edifice in Jomtien. No sooner had their luggage hit the floor than two masked interlopers burst forth, turning a seemingly innocuous rendezvous into a scene Oscar contenders dream of.
The evil twin urges beyond theft: cash siphoned from pockets, a Rolex ripped from wrists. But alas, it was just the beginning. In the realm of high-stakes drama, the suspects fragmented as swiftly as the camaraderie they once shared. Evgenii Latyshev, a slippery character, vanished like a ghost to Malaysia. Ioann Berdanov, another alleged architect, charted a course to Hong Kong, perhaps with Turkey on his GPS. The shadows of two foreign men, faceless but for their black attire, waltzed in the CCTV spotlight, leaving a tantalizing puzzle for Pattaya’s finest.
Evidence scatters across the narrative landscape like breadcrumbs to be followed. The Pattaya News keeps readers perched at the edge of their seats, waiting with bated breath for justice to clasp its iron grip upon those elusive figures. But as with any thriller worth its ink, questions linger: What truly binds these figures? What stake keeps them firmly woven in their web of deceit and betrayal? Only time, tenacity, and one man’s escape from terror will tell.
This story sounds like a James Bond movie! Why would fellow Russians betray David like this? Pure greed?
It’s all about money and power. Organized crime has no loyalty, even among compatriots.
True, but it’s sad to see people forget their roots for some coins!
There must be more to this story than we’re told. Sounds like David was involved in something shady himself.
It’s incredible that someone can just disappear into Malaysia or Hong Kong after such a crime!
Sadly, it’s surprisingly easy for criminals to cross borders in Southeast Asia. Corruption and weak enforcement help them a lot.
That’s really disappointing. I always thought border security was much stricter.
This Anton guy seems like he’s totally guilty. Overstayed his visa and got caught up in crime? Not a coincidence!
It feels staged! Maybe David needed a good story to write about and all this drama helps him out as a journalist.
You’re underestimating the risks journalists face. Sometimes their stories come from life-threatening situations.
Professional criminals or amateur hour? How do you let your victim escape so easily?
Maybe they underestimated David’s will to survive. Plus, luck seemed to be on his side.
I wonder if this will deter other Russians from visiting Pattaya. Seems like a dangerous place right now.
It’s not just Pattaya, crime is universal. We should all be aware regardless of where we travel.
This reads like a warning story more than anything. Don’t trust even your ‘friends’ when money is involved.
Sad but true. People will surprise you for better or worse when money enters the picture.
I think David is lucky to be alive. Escaping from handcuffs and thugs? He should buy a lottery ticket!
Right? His story is something you tell at parties for the rest of your life.
What’s the point in escaping if these criminals can just vanish? Feels like a never-ending cat-and-mouse game.
I don’t get why he didn’t just comply at the start. Give them what they want and get out safely.
Sometimes you have to fight back to survive. His career might hinge on not giving them what they wanted.
This is why I don’t travel outside the country. You’d never get me in Pattaya with all that crime.
Traveling is about risk-taking and exploring. Sure there are dangers, but the experience is worth it.
I see your point, but you have to admit, these risks are getting more insane!
It’s stories like this that haunt a traveler’s heart before they sleep. Hope justice prevails.
I think the Pattaya police need to tighten their grip on these international syndicates. It’s getting ridiculous.
They might be trying, but these criminals are just too smart and elusive.