Full Autopsy Expected Within 24 Hours, as Cyanide Residue Found on Drinking Cups

Thai police are investigating the deaths of six foreigners, believed to have been caused by cyanide poisoning, whose bodies were discovered in a luxury Bangkok hotel.

Authorities reported on Wednesday that traces of the lethal substance were uncovered inside the room at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, where the victims were located a day earlier.

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Officials quickly reassured the public that this was an isolated incident and posed no threat to Thailand’s crucial tourism industry. Police suspect that one of the six individuals poisoned the others by spiking tea with cyanide, potentially over a financial disagreement.

“We detected cyanide in all six teacups,” stated Trirong Phiwpan, head of the Thai police forensic unit, at a press briefing. “After tea was served, along with hot water, milk, and teapots, one of the six slipped cyanide into the drinks.”

The victims have been identified as two individuals with roots in the United States but of Vietnamese descent, along with four Vietnamese citizens. The three men and three women were discovered late Tuesday by hotel staff.

According to Phiwpan, the possibility of a mass suicide is slim, as some of the deceased had previously arranged for guides and transportation to continue their trip in Thailand.

Additionally, the positioning of the bodies suggested they weren't gathered together at the time of their deaths. Some were found in the bedroom, others in the living room, implying they were likely unaware they had consumed poison.

“We are confident that one of the six people is responsible for this act,” said Bangkok police deputy commander, Noppasil Poonsawas.

The results of a thorough autopsy are anticipated to be released within the next day, police revealed during the briefing.

The Vietnamese government stated that their embassy in Bangkok is working closely with local officials, while the U.S. State Department confirmed it is monitoring the case, but underscored that the investigation falls under the responsibility of Thai authorities.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has urged for swift investigative action to mitigate any negative impact on the nation’s travel industry.

When questioned about whether this event would disrupt a conference with the Russian energy minister scheduled at the same hotel on Wednesday, Srettha assured the public that the event would proceed as planned.

“This situation has no connection to terrorism nor security breaches. Everything is under control,” he stated.

Noppasil also emphasized that the crime appeared to be a private matter, unrelated to public safety or tourism concerns.

Among the deceased were a husband and wife who had allegedly invested money alongside two other victims. Police suspect a financial dispute regarding a hospital project in Japan may have been a possible motive, based on interviews with relatives of the victims.

Although Thai media initially reported the deaths as a shooting incident, the unfolding details of this mysterious case could pose a challenge for a country heavily dependent on tourism to rebuild its pandemic-hit economy.

Thailand is projecting 35 million international visitors this year, up from 28 million last year, with an anticipated revenue of 1.2 trillion baht (about $33.71 billion).