Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 36, was found guilty of killing a friend during a trip, prompting further investigations into numerous suspicious deaths dating back to 2015.
Death Sentence for Thai Woman in Cyanide Murder Case of 14 Friends
Death Sentence for Thai Woman in Cyanide Murder Case of 14 Friends
A Bangkok court sentenced a woman to death for murdering her friends with cyanide, revealing a chilling series of poison-related deaths.
A woman in Thailand has been sentenced to death for the shocking murders of 14 friends allegedly committed using cyanide, marking a significant case that has captivated the nation. Bangkok's court delivered the capital punishment to Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 36, after ruling she poisoned her wealthy friend during an outing in 2022. The incident raised suspicions among the victim’s relatives, who refused to accept a natural cause of death, leading to an autopsy that confirmed the presence of cyanide in her system.
Sararat, who has been dubbed "Am Cyanide" by local media outlets, has an alleged history of gambling addiction which played a role in her targeting friends to whom she owed money, stealing their possessions after their demise. In April 2023, while traveling with Siriporn Khanwong, 32, to Ratchaburi province, Sararat reportedly prepared a meal that led to Siriporn's sudden collapse and death, during which Sararat did not attempt to assist her.
Following Siriporn's death, police uncovered a string of similar cases stretching back to 2015, with one intended victim surviving. Sararat’s former husband, an ex-police officer, and her lawyer were also sentenced for their involvement in attempts to conceal evidence aiding her in evading justice, both entering pleas of not guilty.
In a poignant moment outside the courtroom, Siriporn's mother, Thongpin Kiatchanasiri, expressed her relief, stating, "You got justice, my child. Today, there is justice in this world," while holding her daughter’s photograph. The court ordered Sararat to compensate Siriporn’s family with two million baht (approximately $57,667), acknowledging the profound loss suffered.
Cyanide, a potent poison known for swiftly depleting oxygen in body cells, can lead to a rapid fatal outcome if ingested in large amounts, though even minimal exposure can be harmful. Thailand's stringent regulations around cyanide make unauthorized access a serious criminal offense, with violators facing up to two years in prison.
