In a shocking discovery, doctors in Bangkok found cyanide in the blood of six individuals who died in a luxury hotel suite.
Post-mortem examinations confirmed cyanide as the sole cause of their deaths. Forensic investigators had already detected cyanide traces on the teacups used by the victims, who were all of Vietnamese origin.
Professor Kornkiat Vongpaisarnsin from Chulalongkorn University’s Department of Forensic Medicine reported that the victims exhibited signs of cyanide poisoning like dark purple lips and nails due to lack of oxygen. He confirmed that all indicators point to cyanide as the cause of death.
Housekeepers discovered the deceased at the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel in Bangkok on Tuesday. Investigators estimate the victims had been dead for 12 to 24 hours.
The case has attracted international attention, prompting Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to order an urgent investigation. The Prime Minister clarified that the deaths resulted from a “private matter” and posed no public threat.
Police have begun reconstructing the events leading up to the deaths. Report indicates the group had checked into the hotel separately over the weekend and occupied five rooms. However, they failed to check out on Monday as supposed.
Authorities identified the victims as Vietnamese nationals Thi Nguyen Phuong, 46, her husband Hong Pham Thanh, 49, Thi Nguyen Phuong Lan, 47, and Dinh Tran Phu, 37, along with American citizens Sherine Chong, 56, and Dang Hung Van, 55.
Source: BBC
