World
November 20, 2024 10:40
bangkok - Thai serial killer 'Am Cyanide' has been sentenced to death in a historic ruling for the murder of a 32-year-old friend in Bangkok. The conviction marks the first of fifteen cases against the woman, who allegedly began her killing spree in 2020.
Thai serial killer Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, known as 'Am Cyanide', has been sentenced to death for the murder of her 32-year-old friend Siriporn Khanwong in a historic ruling in Bangkok. The court found 'Am Cyanide' guilty of premeditated murder for poisoning Siriporn Khanwong with potassium cyanide in April last year. Among the deceased are a former partner and two female police officers. One person, suspected to have also been poisoned by Sararat, survived. The woman reportedly started her killing spree in 2020 until her arrest last year.
Two other defendants were also convicted for their involvement in the case. The 40-year-old ex-husband of the murderer and former deputy chief inspector of the Withoon Rangsiwutthaporn police station was sentenced to one year and four months in prison. A 36-year-old lawyer, Thannicha Aeksuvanwat, was sentenced to two years in prison for assisting in concealing and destroying evidence.
'Am Cyanide' remains in custody at the Bangkok Women's Prison. The other convicts are out on bail pending their appeal. The mysterious death of Siriporn Khanwong led to an investigation that uncovered one of the most shocking serial killings in Thailand. Female serial killers are rare worldwide, and Thais fear they may have captured one of the most infamous of all time.
According to the police, 'Am Cyanide' knew all the victims personally and allegedly killed them for financial reasons. The murderer, who was four months pregnant at the time of her arrest, denies guilt. Thai authorities claim she has a history of mental health issues.
Sararat murdered her 32-year-old friend Siriporn in the province of Ratchaburi southwest of Bangkok. The two had participated in a Buddhist protection ritual by a river. Shortly thereafter, her friend collapsed and died on the spot on the riverbank. Traces of cyanide were found in Siriporn's body during the autopsy. Her phone, money, and bags were also missing when she was found.
Another friend, who was also allegedly targeted, had lent Sararat 250,000 baht (approximately 6,645 euros). The woman vomited and fainted after eating with Sararat but survived. She told the police that she had a tight feeling in her chest and lost feeling in her hands after taking a pill offered by the murderer at a shopping mall in the western province of Kanchanaburi. She was immediately taken to the hospital.
Cyanide can be found in corpses several months after death. It is a fast-acting poison that blocks the supply of oxygen to body cells, which can cause heart attacks. The first symptoms are dizziness, shortness of breath, and vomiting. Even a minimal dose, much smaller than a gram, can be lethal. The use of cyanide in Thailand is strictly regulated. Those with unauthorized access risk two years in prison.
In July, six foreigners died at the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel in central Bangkok from potassium cyanide poisoning. The lethal chemical was found on cups and a teapot in a room of the luxury hotel. According to the police, one of the victims poisoned the others and then themselves. Interviews with the families of the deceased revealed a dispute over debts related to an investment.