In a shocking incident at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, six individuals, including Vietnamese and Americans, were found dead in a hotel room, with initial autopsy results revealing traces of cyanide in their blood. The bodies were discovered on Tuesday, although the victims were last seen alive on Monday when food was delivered to their room.
Thai authorities have suggested that the poisoning was likely carried out by one of the deceased, possibly due to a dispute over a bad investment. The room was locked from the inside, and there were no signs of forced entry or physical violence on the bodies. The food ordered remained untouched, but several used teacups and thermoses were found, which later tested positive for cyanide.
Lt. Gen. Trairong Piwpan, head of the Thai police's forensic division, confirmed the presence of cyanide in the mugs and thermoses. The coroner from Chulalongkorn University's medical school, Kornkiat Vongpaisarnsin, stated that the cyanide caused shortness of breath, leading to the deaths. This was further supported by the purple discoloration of the victims' mouths and fingernails.
The Thai police believe that the poisoning is related to debts worth millions of bahts, and they are convinced that one of the six deceased committed the crime. This incident has raised concerns about Thailand's safety as a tourist destination, although Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin assured that the crime is a private matter and should not affect the tourism sector.
The mysterious circumstances surrounding the deaths have led to various speculations and rumors. The father of one of the victims expressed his shock and sorrow, stating that his son was supposed to return to Vietnam on Sunday. Thai authorities are working to improve the country's image as a safe tourist destination, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic.
