In a shocking verdict, a Thai woman, Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, has been sentenced to death for the calculated murders of 14 of her friends, all allegedly poisoned with cyanide. The 36-year-old was found guilty by a Bangkok court of administering the toxic substance to her wealthy friend, Siriporn Khanwong, 32, during a trip in April 2023. Following Siriporn's sudden death after sharing a meal with Sararat, investigations uncovered traces of cyanide and led to further scrutiny of several suspicious deaths dating back to 2015.
Authorities arrested Sararat, whose media nickname "Am Cyanide" reflects her notorious acts, after relatives insisted Siriporn did not die of natural causes. Police discovered that Sararat allegedly targeted friends from whom she had borrowed money, often stealing their valuables after poisoning them. Notably, one of her targeted victims had survived.
During the trial, Siriporn's grieving mother, Thongpin Kiatchanasiri, expressed her relief and anger, stating, "You got justice, my child. Today, there is justice in this world." Sararat showed no visible remorse and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Additionally, her former husband, a former police officer, and her lawyer received prison sentences for their roles in concealing evidence that might have led to her arrest on multiple occasions.
As part of the ruling, Sararat has been ordered to compensate Siriporn’s family with two million baht (approximately $57,667) for her wrongful actions. The case, now emblematic of a broader conversation about gambling addiction and interpersonal deception, has raised questions about the regulation of lethal substances like cyanide in Thailand, where unauthorized access can lead to severe legal consequences.
