Bangkok, 17 July 2024 - Bodies of six foreign nationals were found in a room at the upscale Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel in Bangkok. The group, which included three men and three women, were all of Vietnamese descent. Two of the victims held U.S. passports.
The Thai police, alerted by hotel staff around 5:30 p.m., discovered the bodies in one room, despite the group having checked into different rooms. Initial reports indicate no signs of struggle, leading investigators to suspect poisoning.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visited the hotel later that evening. He has ordered a swift and thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding these mysterious deaths. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence in Thailand's safety, especially for its vital tourism sector.
Authorities are currently reviewing closed-circuit television footage and interviewing witnesses. Preliminary investigations suggest the possibility of cyanide poisoning. All six victims were found with empty cups of coffee and tea nearby, and uneaten food was present in the room.
A police spokesperson said, “We are looking for a seventh person who may be connected to this incident. Our initial findings rule out suicide, suggesting instead that these deaths were caused by another party. Further investigation and autopsies are necessary to confirm the cause."
The victims were identified as Chong Sherine, 56, Dang Hung Van, 55, Nguyen Thi Phuong Lan, 47, Pham Hong Thanh, 49, Tran Dinh Phu, 37, and Nguyen Thi Phuong, 46. Two of the deceased were found near the door, suggesting they may have attempted to escape.
A government official stated, "We urge the public to remain calm. This incident, while tragic, is isolated. Our priority is to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors. Measures are being taken to enhance security and prevent such incidents in the future."
Tourism is a crucial component of Thailand's economy, with the government expecting 35 million foreign visitors this year. This incident comes as the country continues to bolster security and extend visa waivers to attract more tourists.
Our thoughts are with the families affected by this tragedy.
