Six Found Dead in Bangkok Hotel from Suspected Cyanide Poisoning

by bollywoodfever · 17/07/2024

Six people were found dead in a luxury hotel in Bangkok, potentially due to cyanide poisoning. The investigation continues amid concerns for Thailand’s tourism sector.

Bollywood Fever: Six people were discovered dead in a luxury hotel in Bangkok, possibly due to cyanide poisoning in their tea. The victims, two with dual Vietnamese-American nationality and four Vietnamese nationals, were found at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel around 5 p.m. local time on Tuesday.

The bodies were discovered in a hotel room, with local newspaper Matichon reporting suspected cyanide ingestion. An officer mentioned that the victims were foaming at the mouth. Thai PBS noted that while tea and coffee cups were used, plates of food remained untouched. An image from the Royal Thai Police showed a body next to uneaten meals.

A police official, speaking anonymously, dismissed earlier reports of a shooting, stating, “There is no sign of a shooting.” Bangkok police chief Lieutenant General Thiti Sangsawang confirmed the victims included three males and three females. The bodies, found foaming at the mouth, were discovered by a maid after the guests failed to check out, with the room locked from the inside.

Six Found Dead in Bangkok Hotel from Suspected Cyanide Poisoning

The victims had booked several rooms under seven names, and some were staying on different floors. Police are searching for the seventh person included in the booking. No signs of struggle were found, and the residents were supposed to check out earlier that day, with their luggage already packed.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed U.S. officials are aware of the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Bangkok. Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ordered an immediate investigation and personally visited the hotel.

The incident is concerning for Thailand, which heavily relies on tourism. The prime minister emphasized avoiding any negative impact on the country’s image as a welcoming destination. “Hotel staff found their bodies in a room around 5 p.m. (1000 GMT) today,” a police source told Reuters, focusing the investigation on a possible toxic substance link.

Pending autopsies, Thavisin suggested the victims ingested something fatal. The police are investigating the scene and cause of death, noting no signs of struggle or robbery. The deaths occurred about 24 hours before the police arrived, following a call from hotel staff.

Thailand aims to promote its tourism sector, a key economic driver. “The prime minister has ordered all agencies to urgently take action to avoid impact on tourism,” the Thai government stated.

The Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, located in the Ratchaprasong district, is one of Thailand’s most luxurious accommodations, known for its service, outdoor pool, gym, spa, and highly rated restaurant. The hotel administrators have yet to comment on the incident.