Six Vietnamese tourists, including two with American citizenship, were found dead in a luxury suite at the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel in Bangkok, Thailand on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. The victims, three men and three women aged between 37 and 56, were discovered when hotel staff entered the room after the guests failed to check out as scheduled.Thai police have confirmed finding traces of cyanide in six tea cups in the room, suggesting poisoning as the cause of death. Police Chief Thiradej Thammasuthee stated that a 56-year-old woman from the group likely administered the poison to the others before consuming it herself, driven by extreme debt. The police found no signs of struggle, forced entry, or theft in the room.Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has described the incident as a ‘private matter’ unrelated to national security or robbery. He also confirmed that the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is assisting Thai authorities in the investigation.The case has raised concerns about Thailand’s image and its impact on the tourism industry, a vital part of the country’s economy. Authorities are working to improve Thailand’s reputation, which has sometimes been associated with scams and insecurity.Initial reports and local media speculation about a possible shooting have been dismissed by the police. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities still searching for a seventh person who may have been associated with the group.
Key points
- Six Vietnamese tourists, including two American citizens, found dead in a Bangkok luxury hotel.
- Cyanide traces discovered in tea cups, suggesting poisoning as the cause of death.
- A 56-year-old woman from the group is suspected of poisoning others before taking her own life, possibly due to debt issues.
- FBI is assisting Thai authorities in the investigation.
- Incident raises concerns about Thailand’s tourism industry and international reputation.
Contradictions👾Initial local media reports suggested a shooting, which was later denied by police.
👾Some sources mentioned four Vietnamese and two American-Vietnamese victims, while others reported all six as Vietnamese nationals, with two holding American citizenship.
