A Thai court has sentenced a woman to death in the first of several cases where she is accused of poisoning 14 friends with cyanide.
The Bangkok court found 36-year-old Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn guilty of administering poison in the food and drinks of a wealthy friend during a trip last year.
Relatives of the deceased did not believe her death was natural, prompting an autopsy that detected cyanide in her body.
Following this discovery, police arrested Sararat and uncovered links to other similar fatalities dating back to 2015, including one case where the victim survived.
Thai media have dubbed Sararat ‘Am Cyanide’ due to her alleged financial motives, driven by a gambling problem. She reportedly targeted friends from whom she had borrowed money, later stealing their jewelry and other valuables.
In April 2023, Sararat and her 32-year-old friend, Siriporn Khanwong, traveled to Ratchaburi province to participate in a Buddhist protection ritual by a river.
Siriporn was found unresponsive after a meal they shared, with Sararat making no attempt to assist her, according to the investigation.
Cyanide residues were found in Siriporn’s remains, and her belongings, including her phone, cash, and bags, were missing.
Following the verdict, Siriporn’s mother, Thongpin Kiatchanasiri, expressed her relief outside the court, saying, “You got justice, my child. Today, there is justice in this world.”
Thongpin also conveyed her distress at being unable to look at Sararat, who she claimed was smiling as the sentence was read. Sararat maintained her innocence throughout the trial.
Sararat’s former husband, an ex-police officer, and her lawyer were sentenced to one year and four months, and two years, respectively, for concealing evidence and helping her evade prosecution. Both had pleaded not guilty prior to Wednesday’s sentencing.
The ex-husband, Vitoon Rangsiwuthaporn, had surrendered last year, and was accused by the police of helping Sararat poison an ex-boyfriend, Suthisak Poonkwan.
Additionally, Sararat has been ordered to pay Siriporn’s family two million baht ($57,667; £45,446) in compensation.
Cyanide starves the body’s cells of oxygen, potentially inducing heart attacks. Initial symptoms can include dizziness, shortness of breath, and vomiting.
Large doses can cause lung injury, coma, and death within seconds, but even smaller amounts are very harmful.
Cyanide use in Thailand is heavily regulated, and unauthorized possession can lead to up to two years in jail.
