US Businesswoman Suspected in Cyanide Poisoning of Six at Bangkok Hotel; Financial Dispute Eyed
July 18, 2024US businesswoman Sherine Chong, 56, suspected of poisoning six compatriots with cyanide-laced tea at Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel in Bangkok.
Two victims were US citizens of Vietnamese descent; autopsies confirmed cyanide as the cause of death, with residue found in teacups and tea bags.
Thai authorities are investigating the deaths as a result of a personal dispute over a failed investment, supported by forensic evidence, security footage, and autopsies.
Chong, a Vietnamese American woman, allegedly had a financial dispute with two other individuals in the room.
Incident is not linked to any threat to foreign visitors in Thailand; governments of Thailand, Vietnam, and the US are cooperating in the investigation.
The FBI may be involved; Chong set to face trial for murder in September 2025.
Thai authorities reassure tourists that the incident should not impact tourism in the country.
Summary based on 139 sources
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Sources
The Guardian • Jul 17, 2024
Cyanide found in teacups shared by six found dead in Bangkok hotelThe Guardian • Jul 16, 2024
Six people found dead in Bangkok luxury hotel in suspected poisoningBBC News • Jul 16, 2024
Bangkok hotel deaths: Six bodies found at Grand HyattBBC News • Jul 17, 2024
Grand Hyatt Bangkok: Victims drank from cyanide-laced teacups