Six people were reported dead, likely from cyanide poisoning, in a luxurious Bangkok hotel room, with the suspected murderer among them, Thai police announced on Wednesday.
The fast-acting and lethal substance was detected on drinking glasses and a teapot in the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel room, and interviews with the victims’ relatives indicated a conflict over debt tied to an investment, police added.
All six victims were of Vietnamese descent, including two U.S. citizens, and their bodies were discovered late on Tuesday. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation had supported the Thai police in the investigation, authorities stated.
“We detected cyanide in all six teacups,” said Trirong Phiwpan, the Commander of the Thai police evidence office, during a press conference.
“After the staff delivered teacups, two hot water bottles, milk, and teapots, one of the six introduced cyanide,” he explained. Police noted that autopsy results were expected the following day.
The Vietnamese government reported that its embassy in Bangkok was closely working with Thai authorities on the case, while the U.S. State Department mentioned it was keeping an eye on the situation, with local authorities leading the investigation.
The Grand Hyatt Erawan, run by the Erawan Group (ERW.BK), has over 350 rooms and is situated in a popular tourist area known for high-end shopping and dining.
The incident, initially reported by some Thai media as a shooting, could negatively affect Thailand’s efforts to rejuvenate its critical tourism industry, which has been struggling since the pandemic.
Thailand anticipates 35 million foreign visitors this year, an increase from last year’s 28 million, who spent 1.2 trillion baht ($33.71 billion).
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin called for a swift investigation to minimise the impact on Thailand’s tourism sector.
Nancy Mbamalu
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