Six people, including two Vietnamese Americans, were found dead in a luxury hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. The police stated that they died from cyanide poisoning, with one of them suspected of poisoning the others over a bad investment. The bodies were discovered by a maid at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok after they failed to check out on time. Police found traces of cyanide in the cups and thermoses in the room.
Initial autopsy results confirmed cyanide in the blood of all six bodies, with no signs of blunt force trauma. The deceased included two Americans named Chong Sherine and Dang Hung Van, as well as four Vietnamese individuals. A seventh person linked to the hotel booking was not involved in the deaths.
The Prime Minister ruled out terrorism and stated that the incident would not impact an upcoming conference at the hotel. Investigators suspect that the motive behind the poisoning may be related to a failed investment of about $278,000 for a hospital in Japan. The police believe that one of the six individuals was responsible for the deaths but did not disclose the suspect’s identity.
The possibility of mass suicide was ruled out due to future travel plans and untouched food in the hotel room. The Vietnamese and U.S. embassies have been informed, and the FBI is on its way to assist in the investigation. The State Department in Washington expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured close monitoring of the situation.
