Thai police found the bodies of six people in a Bangkok hotel on Tuesday. The cause of death is still unknown, but it is believed they may have been poisoned.
The victims included three men and three women of American and Vietnamese nationality. They were found at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel in the Pathum Wan district.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Thiti Sangsawang said there were no signs of a struggle. The victims had packed their bags and appeared ready to leave the hotel.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered an urgent investigation into the incident. He visited the hotel, located in a busy tourist area, to oversee the investigation personally.
The six foreigners may have died of cyanide poisoning. The police are examining CCTV footage and questioning witnesses to gather clues, according to Bangkok Post.
Investigative commander Pol Maj Gen Theeradet Thumsuthee confirmed the deaths were likely caused by poisoning. The victims had consumed coffee and tea in their room.
Two victims seemed to have tried to reach the door, suggesting a sudden onset of symptoms. Only one victim had a facial wound, likely from falling onto a hard object.
Police Chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol said the room was locked from the inside when officers arrived. The food served to their room was left uneaten, while cups were empty.
Prime Minister Thavisin said the deaths should not negatively impact tourism. He urged officials to take steps to prevent panic among tourists and the public.
The bodies of Chong Sherine, 56, Dang Hung Van, 55, Nguyen Thi Phuong Lan, 47, Pham Hong Thanh, 49, Tran Dinh Phu, 37, and Nguyen Thi Phuong, 46, were identified. Two of them held American citizenship.
The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause and motive behind the deaths. The police are also looking for another Vietnamese citizen in connection with the case.
Such incidents are rare in Thailand. However, there have been serious shootings in recent years. For example, in October 2023, a 14-year-old boy killed three people in a Bangkok shopping center. Additionally, in October 2022, a man used a gun and a knife to kill 36 people, including 24 children, in Nong Bua Lamphu province. Another tragic incident occurred in 2020 when 29 people were killed in a shooting in Nakhon Ratchasima, located in the northeastern part of the country.
