An American woman is suspected of poisoning five family members and herself with cyanide-laced tea in a luxury Bangkok hotel. The incident occurred on Tuesday at the Grand Hyatt Erawan, where three men and three women were found dead in a locked room.
Investigation and findings
Post-mortem examinations revealed traces of cyanide in all victims, confirming poisoning as the cause of death. The scene showed teacups containing the poisoned drink, with untouched room service food nearby. Four bodies were discovered in the living room, while two were found in the bedroom, indicating an attempt to escape.
Local media reported that Sherine Chong, 56, allegedly killed her family over a debt dispute before taking her own life. Chong, who had both Vietnamese and US passports, had persuaded two victims to invest in a failed hospital project in Japan, resulting in a monetary loss.
Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwpan confirmed the internal involvement in the murders. “After staff brought teacups and two hot water bottles, milk, and teapots… one of the six introduced cyanide,” he stated. The deceased included four Vietnamese nationals and two Vietnamese-Americans.
Authorities continue to investigate, with further toxicology results pending to determine the exact levels of cyanide in each victim’s system. The seventh person who booked the hotel room has been ruled out as a suspect, having left Thailand prior to the incident.