The prestigious Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand was recently the site of a deadly cyanide poisoning incident. On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, six guests, including two Vietnamese Americans and four Vietnamese nationals, were discovered dead in a room, leading to an international probe involving the FBI and Vietnamese authorities.
The deceased have been identified 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. The group had arrived at the hotel at varying times during the weekend and occupied rooms on different levels before congregating in a suite on the fifth level.
Authorities suspect the deaths were the result of an argument over a $278,000 investment in a hospital project in Japan. According to investigators, Chong, an investment broker, allegedly convinced Thanh and Phuong to invest a significant amount of money. When the project didn’t progress as planned, tensions rose, leading to the deadly confrontation.
The bodies were discovered by hotel staff when the group did not check out as scheduled. There were no signs of a struggle at the scene, but traces of cyanide were detected in a tea kettle, six cups, and the victims’ blood, according to Bangkok Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Thiti Saengsawang. The food ordered to the room was not touched, but drinks appeared to have been consumed.
Investigators are working to determine if one of the victims could have poisoned the rest before succumbing to the poison themselves. A seventh individual linked to the hotel booking, the younger sister of one of the victims, departed Thailand on July 10 and is not suspected to be implicated in the deaths.
Security footage revealed the six individuals arriving separately and not receiving any other visitors. The bodies were found in various areas of the hotel room, with four in the living area and two in the bedroom. Police suspect two of the deceased tried to escape the room before collapsing.
The U.S. State Department has sent condolences to the families of the victims. “We are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to provide consular assistance to those families,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. The FBI is currently en route to aid with the investigation.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered a fast and comprehensive investigation and called on all relevant departments to act swiftly to prevent any negative effects on Thailand’s tourism sector. “This tragic event underscores the need for vigilance and thorough investigation to ensure the safety and security of our visitors,” he stated.
Located in the busy Ratchaprasong district of Bangkok, the Grand Hyatt Erawan is renowned for its opulent accommodations and high-profile guests. The hotel management has expressed their condolences and is fully cooperating with the authorities.
