Bangkok, Thailand – Cyanide poisoning has been determined as the cause of death for six individuals whose bodies were discovered in a room at the upscale Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel, according to Thai authorities.
The suspected killer was among the deceased, and traces of the deadly chemical were found on drinking glasses and a teapot in the room. Autopsies on the bodies also revealed the presence of cyanide. Police are currently investigating how the cyanide was obtained, as interviews with relatives of the victims suggest a dispute over debt related to an investment. The deceased individuals were all of Vietnamese ethnicity, including two US nationals. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation has assisted with the investigation.
Chulalongkorn Hospital’s Kornkiat Vongpaisarnsin stated that further test results will be available on Friday. Vietnam’s foreign ministry confirmed that four of the deceased were Vietnamese nationals and pledged to work closely with Thai authorities. The Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel, operated by Erawan Group, is a prominent establishment in a popular tourist district known for its luxury shopping and dining options.
Rumors initially circulated that the deaths were the result of a shooting, but early investigations indicate that the drinks in the hotel room were spiked with cyanide by one of the victims. The news of these deaths could potentially harm Thailand’s tourism industry, which is heavily relied upon for economic recovery following the ongoing pandemic. The Thai government is committed to swiftly resolving the situation, as any negative publicity could deter the expected 35 million foreign visitors and billions of dollars in spending.
The US State Department affirmed that it is closely monitoring the situation, while emphasizing that local authorities are responsible for the investigation. With the victims’ families grappling with this tremendous loss, Vietnam’s foreign ministry expressed hope for their resilience during this difficult time.