An unusual and deadly incident of cyanide poisoning occurred at the prestigious Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. Six guests, which included two Vietnamese Americans and four Vietnamese nationals, were discovered dead in a room on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, sparking an investigation by the FBI and Vietnamese authorities.
The deceased were named as Sherine Chong, 56; Dang Hung Van, 55; Thi Nguyen Phuong Lan, 47; Dinh Tran Phu, 37; Thi Nguyen Phuong, 46; and Hong Pham Thanh, 49. They had checked into the hotel at separate times during the weekend, taking rooms on different floors before congregating in a fifth-floor suite.
According to the police, an argument over a $278,000 investment in a Japanese hospital project led to the deaths. Chong, an investment broker, allegedly convinced Thanh and Phuong to sink a significant amount of money into the venture. With the project stalling, tensions rose, culminating in the lethal encounter.
The bodies were found by hotel staff after the group failed to check out. The room showed no signs of a struggle, but cyanide traces were found in a teapot, six teacups, and the victims’ blood, Bangkok Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Thiti Saengsawang reported. While the food ordered to the room remained untouched, it appeared drinks had been consumed.
Authorities are examining whether one of the victims might have administered the poison to the others before succumbing to the poison themselves. A seventh person linked to the hotel booking, who was the younger sister of one of the victims, left Thailand on July 10 and is not suspected of being involved in the deaths.
Security footage revealed the six individuals arriving separately and not receiving any visitors. The bodies were located in different areas of the hotel room, with four in the living room and two in the bedroom. It is believed by the police that two of the victims tried to get to the door before falling.
The U.S. State Department has extended sympathies to the families of the deceased. “We are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to provide consular assistance to those families,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller conveyed. The FBI is on its way to assist with the investigation.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has demanded a rapid and comprehensive investigation, urging all relevant agencies to act swiftly to prevent any negative effects on Thailand’s tourism industry. “This tragic event underscores the need for vigilance and thorough investigation to ensure the safety and security of our visitors,” he declared.
Nestled in the busy Ratchaprasong district in Bangkok, the Grand Hyatt Erawan is renowned for its opulent accommodations and elite clientele. The hotel management has expressed their condolences and pledged full cooperation with the authorities.
