In a chilling incident at Bangkok’s Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel, six people were found dead with traces of cyanide in their cups, sparking a perplexing mystery. The victims, identified as Vietnamese Americans and Vietnamese nationals, were discovered in their room where no signs of forced entry were found, suggesting the door was locked from the inside. Initial reports hint at a possible personal motive, possibly linked to financial dealings, as some victims had invested money together. The discovery has prompted a swift investigation involving local authorities and international agencies, amidst concerns over safety and the impact on Thailand’s tourism.

Six persons were discovered dead in a five-star hotel in the heart of Bangkok, and Thai police reported on Wednesday that cyanide residue was discovered in their cups.

The startling finding was made in a Grand Hyatt Erawan suite, a five-star establishment.

Although the first findings of a post-mortem investigation are anticipated on Thursday, Lt Gen Trairong Piwpan, head of the forensic division of the Thai police force, stated that there was evidence of cyanide in the cups and containers that officers discovered in the room.

Lt Gen Thiti Sangsawang, the chief of Bangkok police, described the deceased as three males and three women, as well as two Vietnamese Americans and four Vietnamese nationals.

Officers said that no further guests were seen in the room based on their review of hotel data and security footage.

Local sources state that one officer claimed the bodies were “foaming at the mouth,” indicating the victims are thought to have consumed cyanide. On Thursday, the initial findings of a post-mortem investigation are anticipated.

The Bangkok deputy police chief, Noppasin Punsawat, stated that they were between the ages of 37 and 56. According to him, the situation seems to be personal and won’t affect travelers’ safety.

According to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, contacts have been made with the US and Vietnamese embassies on the fatalities, and the FBI is on its way.

Among the fatalities were a husband and wife who had invested money with two other victims, indicating that money could be a motive, said the police chief.

The group may have been gathering to resolve the issue because the investment was intended to be used to construct a hospital in Japan.

Monday afternoon, when food was brought to the room, was the last time the six had been seen alive. Security tape captured the remaining women coming to the room one by one not too long after the personnel observed the first woman receiving the meal.

The door was locked from the inside and no one was observed to be exiting. When they neglected to check out of the room on Tuesday afternoon, a hotel maid discovered the remains.

Authorities claimed that a seventh individual, whose name appeared on the hotel reservation, was recognized as the brother of one of the six victims who departed the nation on July 10. The seventh individual, according to the police, was not involved in the deaths.

Mr. Srettha said that it was doubtful that the news would have an impact on his meeting with Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev later on Wednesday at the hotel. “This wasn’t an act of terrorism or a breach in security, everything is fine.”

A mass suicide, according to Mr. Trairong, seemed improbable because several of the victims had made arrangements for future travel arrangements, like drivers and guides.

The fact that the victims were not all in one area—some were in the living room, some in the bedroom—suggests that they did not deliberately take poison and wait to die together, he continued.

Reports of a serial killer who poisoned 15 victims with cyanide over the years shook the nation in 2023.

Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, also known as “Am Cyanide,” murdered at least 14 individuals for whom she owed money, making history as the first female serial killer in the nation. Just one individual made it out alive.

According to the police, the victims had made reservations at the Grand Hyatt Erawan under seven different names, and some of them were staying on a floor other than the one in which they were discovered dead.

Citing local police, the Matichon newspaper and other Thai media first reported a gunshot in the nation’s capital on Tuesday night.

Matichon, however, subsequently stated that poisoning had been determined to be the cause of death.

To prevent further harm to the tourism industry, Thailand’s prime minister, Settha Thavisin, has directed a prompt investigation into the occurrence.

According to Thai media, when the prime minister arrived on the scene, he seemed “stressed” and declined to speak with reporters.

Speaking under anonymity, a police official refuted earlier claims made by Thai media that the six victims had died in a gunshot.

“There is no sign of a shooting,” the official told Reuters, without elaborating further.

The six deceased foreign nationals’ bodies were discovered by police officers after they received a report at approximately 5:30 p.m. from hotel personnel.

According to its website, the Grand Hyatt Erawan is a five-star hotel located close to Erawan Shrine in the capital’s important diplomatic and business center. With 44 suites and 380 rooms, it offers opulent amenities like a restaurant and spa.

Last year, GreatGameInternational reported that the Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Uttar Pradesh, Sunil Kumar, was found dead by hanging in a hotel room in Prayagraj.