Thai police are conducting an intensive investigation into the deaths of six Vietnamese people, including two Americans, in a luxury hotel in Bangkok. The bodies of the three men and three women were found in their hotel room on July 16. According to police reports, there were no signs of a struggle in the room, but residues of a substance suggesting possible poisoning were discovered in the cups.
Police have identified the substance as cyanide. According to Thiti Saengsawang, commissioner of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police, the bodies were discovered by hotel staff after the guests were more than 24 hours late checking out. The police have ruled out robbery, as there were no signs of physical violence or theft.
A theory has emerged that a 56-year-old woman from the group administered the poison to the others and then drank it herself. Investigators suspect that the woman's motive was debt-related. The room was locked from the inside, but the back door remained unlocked, indicating that the incident may have been premeditated.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin held a press conference to address the mysterious case, announcing an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The Thai government is keen to clarify the matter quickly, expressing concerns that the incident could negatively impact tourism, a vital economic sector for the country.
