Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn was found guilty of poisoning her friend Siriporn Khanwong with cyanide, leading to her death during a trip. Authorities uncovered a disturbing pattern of similar deaths dating back to 2015, attributing motive to Sararat's gambling debts and desire for valuable possessions.
Death Sentence for Thai Woman Convicted of Cyanide Murders
Death Sentence for Thai Woman Convicted of Cyanide Murders
A Bangkok court has sentenced Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn to death for the alleged cyanide poisoning of 14 friends, casting a dark shadow over the country's escalating concerns surrounding criminal acts of violence.
In a shocking verdict, a Thai woman has been sentenced to death by a Bangkok court for the chilling murders of 14 friends using cyanide. Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 36, was convicted of poisoning her wealthy friend Siriporn Khanwong during a trip last year, a crime that unravelled deeper implications as further investigations revealed a trail of suspicious deaths going back to 2015.
The case came to light when Siriporn's family refused to believe her death was of natural causes, prompting an autopsy that revealed traces of cyanide in her system. After Sararat was arrested, authorities uncovered a disturbing history that included other victims, one of whom narrowly escaped her lethal intentions.
Dubbed "Am Cyanide" by local media, Sararat reportedly targeted acquaintances from whom she borrowed money, allegedly using the funds to support a gambling addiction. Investigators detailed a particularly chilling event in April 2023, when Sararat and Siriporn participated in a Buddhist ritual in Ratchaburi province. Following their meal, Siriporn collapsed and died, and Sararat made no attempt to assist her.
In a courtroom revelation filled with emotion, Siriporn's mother, Thongpin Kiatchanasiri, expressed relief at the verdict, stating, “You got justice, my child," as she clutched a photo of her daughter. However, the accused maintained her innocence throughout the trial.
Two additional figures tied to Sararat, her former husband and an ex-police officer, received prison sentences for concealing evidence related to the case. The ex-husband surrendered to authorities last year after being implicated in past poisoning incidents.
In addition to the death sentence, Sararat has been ordered to compensate Siriporn's family with two million baht (approximately $57,667). The use of cyanide is heavily regulated in Thailand, with unauthorized access potentially leading to severe legal repercussions. As the case continues to unfold, it has raised critical concerns regarding public safety and the darker implications of interpersonal violence within society.
