A tragic event took place at the prestigious Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, involving cyanide poisoning that led to the death of six guests.
The deceased, two Vietnamese Americans and four Vietnamese nationals, were discovered in a hotel room on July 16, 2024, leading to an international inquiry involving both 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 throughout the weekend and resided in rooms on different floors, finally congregating in a suite on the fifth floor.
The police speculate that the deaths may be connected to an argument over a $278,000 investment in a Japanese hospital project. Chong, an investment broker, is believed to have persuaded Thanh and Phuong to invest a significant amount in the project. As the project did not advance, tensions flared, culminating in the deadly gathering.
The bodies were discovered by hotel staff after the group failed to check out. There were no signs of a struggle at the scene, but cyanide traces were found in a tea kettle, six cups, and in the blood of the victims, according to Bangkok Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Thiti Saengsawang. The food that had been ordered to the room was untouched, but the drinks had been consumed.
Investigators are considering the possibility that one of the victims may have poisoned the others before succumbing to the poison themselves. A seventh person tied to the hotel reservation, the younger sister of one of the victims, departed Thailand on July 10 and is not believed to be involved in the deaths.
Security footage showed the six individuals entering separately without any other visitors. The bodies were discovered in various locations within the suite, with four in the living room and two in the bedroom. It is believed that two of the victims tried to reach the door before falling.
The U.S. State Department has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. “We are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to provide consular assistance to those families,” stated State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. The FBI is in the process of assisting with the investigation.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has commanded a swift and exhaustive investigation, calling on all relevant institutions to act promptly to avoid any negative impact 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 lavish amenities and high-end clientele. The hotel management has conveyed their condolences and assures full cooperation with the authorities.