UPDATED STORY
Thai police have intensified their investigation into the deaths of six foreigners found in a luxury Bangkok hotel, considering the possibility of a seventh individual being involved.
On the evening of July 16, six foreigners were discovered deceased in a room on the fifth floor of a luxury hotel near the Ratchaprasong area. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, along with high-ranking police officers, addressed the media, stating that the incident was unforeseen and that investigations were ongoing. The deceased were identified as four Vietnamese nationals and two American nationals of Vietnamese descent.
Initial reports indicate that hotel staff found the bodies at approximately 4:30 p.m., with preliminary assessments suggesting they had been dead for about 24 hours. The victims included Chong Sherine, 56, and Dang Hung Van, 55, both holding American citizenship, and four other Vietnamese nationals: Nguyen Thi Phuong Lan, 47, Pham Hong Thanh, 49, Tran Dinh Phu, 37, and Nguyen Thi Phuong, 46.
The Prime Minister emphasized that this tragic event was unexpected and reassured the public that it should not negatively impact tourism. He dismissed rumors of the incident being linked to theft or a shooting.
Lumpini police were alerted to the situation at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel around 5:30 p.m. on July 16. Upon arrival, officers found three men and three women dead inside the room, with no visible signs of struggle. Their luggage was discovered near the front door. Metropolitan Police Bureau investigators are currently examining CCTV footage and questioning witnesses for potential leads.
Pol Maj Gen Theeradet Thumsuthee, the investigative commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, confirmed that poisoning was the likely cause of death. He noted that the victims appeared to have consumed coffee and tea in the room. Local media have speculated that cyanide poisoning may have been involved, but this has not been confirmed.
Bangkok police commissioner Pol Lt Gen Thiti Saengsawang revealed that seven people had checked into the hotel over the weekend, occupying five rooms across the fifth and seventh floors. Four rooms on the seventh floor were scheduled for check-out on July 15, with luggage packed and ready. However, the identities of six bodies found have not aligned with the initial check-in records.
The investigation team is collaborating with embassies to verify the details of the deceased and to search for the potential seventh individual. Autopsies will be conducted at Chulalongkorn Hospital, and the Central Forensic Science Division is examining all evidence from the scene, including fingerprints, blood traces, and toxicology reports.
Prime Minister Thavisin urged officials to take immediate steps to prevent public panic and to ensure the safety of tourists. The Metropolitan Police will hold a press conference to provide further updates on the case.
It was reported that five individuals, including a secretary to the Vietnamese ambassador and a friend of one of the deceased, were questioned by Lumpini police late Tuesday night. Metropolitan Police and Immigration Police are focusing on several investigation directions, including verifying the presence of a seventh person and investigating possible motives for the deaths.
The police have discovered various items at the scene, including six plates of untouched Thai meals, six cups with residue of mixed drinks, and opened containers of tea and electrolyte drink. Suspicious stainless steel objects, not belonging to the hotel, were also found.
Authorities continue to piece together evidence to determine whether the deaths were a result of self-harm or foul play. The investigation remains active as officials seek to uncover the truth behind this mysterious incident.
ORIGINAL STORY
Six individuals, all of Vietnamese nationality, were found dead in a prominent hotel in the Ratchaprasong area on July 16. Initial reports indicate that two of the victims also held American citizenship. The Metropolitan Police Bureau has launched an investigation into the incident, with officials suspecting poisoning as the cause of death.
Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Police Major General Teeradej Thamsutee, stated that the deceased comprised three men and three women. Preliminary investigations revealed that all victims were Vietnamese nationals, with two also holding American passports. It is suspected that the victims were poisoned, as there were traces of tea and coffee consumption found at the scene. The authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of death but are considering several motives, including business betrayal, revenge, or involvement in a cult.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, provided additional details, noting that there were no signs of struggle at the scene. The bodies were discovered in a single room, which was open and scheduled for check-out on the same day. The victims’ belongings were packed, indicating they were preparing to leave. Forensic experts are currently conducting thorough examinations of the bodies and all related evidence.
It was reported that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin plans to visit the scene personally. Further updates on the investigation will be provided as they become available.