Six individuals, including two American citizens, were found dead in a luxury
hotel in central Bangkok, suspected of cyanide poisoning, Thai police reported
on Wednesday. The victims likely consumed tea and coffee laced with the deadly
chemical following a dispute over bad investments.
Six Dead in Bangkok Hotel, Cyanide Poisoning Suspected (iStock)
The bodies were discovered on Tuesday at the five-star Grand Hyatt Erawan
hotel when staff entered the fifth-floor suite after the guests missed their
check-out time by more than 24 hours. Authorities found three men and three
women, a table with untouched food wrapped in plastic, and used cups
containing traces of a white powder. The door was locked from the inside,
though a backdoor was unlocked.
Initially, police searched for a seventh person believed to be part of the
hotel booking. However, this line of inquiry was later dismissed. Police now
suspect that one of the deceased poisoned the others with cyanide, a
fast-acting and deadly chemical.
Among the dead are two Vietnamese Americans and four Vietnamese nationals,
including a married couple aged between 37 and 56. Chief of the Police
Forensic Office, Trairong Phiewphan, confirmed cyanide was found in the mugs
and cups in the hotel room, and at least one blood sample from a deceased man
contained traces of the chemical.
The police are investigating whether the victims were murdered or chose to end
their lives. Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Noppasin Poonsawat
suggested that one member of the group may have poisoned the others. This
individual ordered the food and tea to the room and appeared stressed when
staff arrived.
Hotel staff interviews revealed that one group member was alone in the room
when the food arrived, and was later joined by the others. The incident is
believed to be linked to a personal matter rather than organized crime, as
relatives indicated a dispute over debt.
"One of the relatives mentioned that one of the deceased was an investment
agent, and all the victims had invested in a business that was not going as
expected. They arranged to meet in Thailand to discuss the matter," Noppasin
said.
Two victims were found in the bedroom, another at the dining table, and one
appeared to have attempted to reach the door before collapsing. Police are
continuing their investigation to determine the exact circumstances
surrounding the tragic deaths.