Thailand’s Criminal Court on Thursday imposed an additional life sentence on convicted serial killer Sararat “Aem Cyanide” Rangsiwuthaporn for the fatal poisoning of a police officer in Khon Kaen.
The panel of judges found the 39-year-old guilty of lacing food and a drink with potassium cyanide, which were consumed by Pol Capt Sukanda Wimolman on August 9, 2022.
Although the court initially issued a death sentence, it was reduced to life imprisonment in light of the defendant’s cooperation and testimony during proceedings.
This latest ruling comes on top of previous penalties, including a death sentence and an earlier life term handed down in connection with other victims.
Sararat’s string of killings sent shockwaves across the country and prompted closer examination of regulations governing toxic substances.
Authorities believe at least 15 individuals were poisoned across seven provinces between 2015 and 2023, with only one survivor. While three cases have reached verdicts, several others remain under judicial review.
Police investigators have stated that financial motives were behind the crimes, alleging the killings were carried out to eliminate personal debts. In each instance, victims were reportedly last seen in the suspect’s company shortly before their deaths.
The case first drew national attention following the death of Siriporn Khanwong in Ratchaburi on April 14, 2023, who was known to be a close acquaintance of Sararat.
Siriporn collapsed and died near the Mae Klong River in Ban Pong district, where the pair had gone to release fish as part of a merit-making ritual. Toxicology reports later confirmed cyanide poisoning.
Investigators said Sararat left the scene without assisting the victim and departed with her belongings and cash.
Sararat, who is married to a senior police officer, was four months pregnant at the time of her arrest on April 25, 2023.
She was subsequently sentenced to death for Siriporn’s murder, and also received a life sentence for the cyanide poisoning of another police officer in Nakhon Pathom.
