The granddaughter of a senior Russian politician has died in a high-speed car crash in Thailand, it has emerged.

Blonde model Valeria Khimich, 18, is said to have lost control of the car in the early hours of the morning and piled into a roadside palm tree on 11th June.

Her companion – 23-year-old Gleb Solovyov – also died in the smash, reports local media.

The couple were found alive in the wreckage of the crashed Toyota Corolla Altis but died soon after.

Police say the car crashed at 5am as it raced through popular tourist hotspot Pattaya and flew through the air when it hit a traffic island.

It then smashed into a palm tree at high speed causing massive injuries to the couple.

Valeria was the granddaughter of Svetlana Openysheva, the former Vice Chair of the Regional Government of Ulyanovsk Oblast, western Russia.

Openysheva reportedly confirmed the fatal accident and is quoted in Russian media saying: “Yes, it’s true.”

The retired politician has reportedly already flown to Thailand to be with Valeria’s grieving family.

Openysheva had congratulated her granddaughter on her 18th birthday in March saying: “My eldest granddaughter turns 18. Be happy, finish university and your family will help you with everything! We appreciate and love you very much!”

The teenager was living in Thailand with her younger sister Daria and their parents.

A collage of snaps showing the sisters has appeared on social media.

The collection is believed to be composed by Daria.

Its caption says: “My beloved sister, I will always love you. It’s hard for me without you, pinkie. You were the best.”

Valeria – whose Instagram account has more than 1,600 followers – called herself ‘Real Pinkie Pie’ on social media.

On Instagram, the self-styled model admitted: “I am obsessed with being cringe.”

Her follower ‘evteevanelia’ commented on Valeria’s most recent post saying: “Please accept my condolences. A huge loss. Much strength for her loved ones to somehow survive this. It’s horrible!”

‘ccccop2020’ added: “Lots of grief! There are no words. I feel so sorry for the girl.”