Traces of cyanide have been discovered in cups and a teapot in a luxury Bangkok hotel room where the bodies of six individuals were found, in what authorities believe to be a deliberate poisoning.
Police identified the deceased as three men and three women, including four Vietnamese nationals and two Vietnamese Americans. The bodies were found inside a suite on the fifth floor of the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel by a staff member on Tuesday afternoon. The room had been locked from the inside.
Medical experts at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital confirmed that all six victims had traces of cyanide in their bodies, leading to their deaths from poisoning. The exact cyanide levels in their blood are still being analyzed.
Initial investigations revealed that the victims had ordered food via room service, which was left untouched, while drinks had been consumed.
The food was untouched but all six cups were used. We will check all of it. We could not find anything else around, even on the floor, but we found some kind of powder in the bottom of a cup,” said Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner Thiti Saengsawang. “We need to find out the motives. This was a ‘killing’ and not a result of suicide.”
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed the presence of cyanide in the victims’ bodies and ruled out robbery or physical attack. “The cause was presumably something related to consumption which needs to be investigated,” he stated.
Details of the Victims and Investigation
The victims were identified as:
- Nguyen Thi Phuong, 46
- Sherine Chong, 56
- Nguyen Thi Phuong Lan, 46
- Tran Dinh Phu, 37
- Dang Hung Van, 55
- Hong Thanh Pham, 49
The six individuals were last seen alive when room service delivered their meal on Monday afternoon. Four of the bodies were found in the living room and two in the bedroom. There were no signs of forced entry, and hotel records indicated no other visitors to the room.
Possible Motive and Investigation
Police suspect one of the six victims introduced cyanide into the teapot. One of the six is the one who committed the murders,” said Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwpan.
Relatives of the deceased revealed a possible motive tied to a debt dispute and conflict over multi-million Baht investments. The investigation, supported by the FBI, continues as authorities piece together the events leading to the tragic deaths.
Impact on Tourism and Hotel Operations
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has called for a swift investigation to minimize the impact on Thailand’s vital tourism sector. The Grand Hyatt Erawan, a five-star hotel located in a prime tourist area of Bangkok, remains operational. The prime minister reassured the public that the incident was not related to terrorism or a security breach.
Historical Context
The incident brings to mind the case of Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, known as “Am Cyanide,” who poisoned 15 people with cyanide, resulting in 14 deaths. Her actions over several years earned her the grim distinction of being Thailand’s first female serial killer.
Public Response
Authorities have urged the public to stay calm and avoid speculation as the investigation continues. The Thai and U.S. governments are closely monitoring the situation, with both embassies in contact with local authorities.
