A Thai woman has been sentenced to death in the first of several cases where she is accused of murdering 14 friends using cyanide.
The Bangkok court convicted 36-year-old Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn of poisoning a wealthy friend during a trip in 2023. Sararat allegedly added cyanide to the food and drink of her friend, Siriporn Khanwong, 32, while they participated in a Buddhist ritual by a river in Ratchaburi province. Siriporn collapsed and died after the meal. An autopsy revealed cyanide in her system, and her valuables, including her phone and money, were missing.
Sararat, known as "Am Cyanide" in Thai media, is suspected of a string of similar murders dating back to 2015. Police say she targeted friends she owed money to, stealing their valuables after poisoning them. One victim survived her alleged attack. Investigators believe her gambling addiction motivated the crimes.
Siriporn's mother, Thongpin Kiatchanasiri, expressed relief outside the courtroom, holding a photo of her daughter. "You got justice, my child," she said. However, she noted her anger at Sararat, who reportedly smiled during the sentencing. Sararat pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Sararat’s former husband, ex-police officer Vitoon Rangsiwuthaporn, and her lawyer were also convicted for hiding evidence to protect her. They received prison sentences of one year and four months, and two years, respectively. Vitoon is also suspected of assisting Sararat in poisoning one of her former boyfriends.
In addition to the death sentence, Sararat was ordered to pay Siriporn's family two million baht (approximately $57,667) in compensation.
Cyanide, a deadly chemical that deprives cells of oxygen, can cause heart attacks, lung injury, and death within seconds in large doses. Its use is heavily regulated in Thailand, with unauthorized possession punishable by up to two years in prison.