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By Joe Edwards
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Autopsy results showed traces of cyanide in the blood of six victims found dead in a luxury hotel in Bangkok, authorities said.
The victims, identified as two Vietnamese Americans and four Vietnamese nationals, were found in a room at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok on Tuesday. Authorities suspect a personal dispute over a failed investment may have led to the poisoning, according to the Associated Press.
Earlier, police had reported that cyanide had been found in cups used by the victims.
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The Context
The bodies were discovered when the victims failed to check out of their room. Security footage showed that the six individuals had arrived separately and had no other visitors.
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Initial forensic tests revealed the presence of cyanide in the cups and thermoses found in the room. The victims were last seen alive when food was delivered to their room on Monday afternoon, according to reports.
What We Know
Police identified the deceased as three men and three women, aged between 37 and 56. Bangkok deputy police chief Noppasin Punsawat suggested Wednesday that the incident was likely a result of a personal conflict and would not impact the safety of tourists, the AP reported.
A husband and wife among the dead had invested money with two of the others, potentially pointing to a financial motive. The investment was reportedly intended for the construction of a hospital in Japan.
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The bodies were found in different parts of the hotel room, with four in the living room and two in the bedroom. Police believe two of the victims attempted to reach the door before collapsing. A seventh person, who was part of the hotel booking, left Thailand on July 10 and is not believed to be involved in the deaths.
Newsweek has also contacted Bangkok's Metropolitan Police Bureau for information regarding the deaths.
Views
A U.S. State Department official told Newsweek: "We are aware of reports of the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Bangkok, Thailand. We offer our sincerest condolences to the families on their loss."
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed that the embassies of Vietnam and the U.S. had been notified, and the FBI was on its way to assist in the investigation.
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What's Next
The State Department official told Newsweek: "We are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to provide consular assistance."
Already the case is being compared to the high-profile case of "Am Cyanide" (Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn) who allegedly poisoned 15 people between 2015 and 2023 using cyanide imported from Spain, resulting in 14 deaths.
Update, 7/17/24, 7:29 a.m. ET: This article and its headline were updated with additional information and comment from the State Department.
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