A Thai woman, Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 36, was convicted and sentenced to death on November 22, 2023, after being found guilty of poisoning her friend, Siriporn Kanwong, with cyanide—a chilling beginning to what is expected to be a lengthy series of murder trials. Sararat, linked to a string of cyanide poisonings since as early as 2015, lured at least 15 individuals, including Siriporn, under the guise of offering “herb capsules” that were later discovered to be lethal.
- Thai woman convicted of poisoning friend
- Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn facing 14 murder trials
- Victim was lured under false pretense
- Cyanide linked to multiple unsolved cases
- Ex-husband received prison time for complicity
- Thailand's history of high-profile crime cases
The incident took place in April 2022 when Sararat and Siriporn met near Bangkok to participate in a Buddhist ritual involving the release of fish into the Mae Klong River. Following the ritual, Siriporn inexplicably collapsed and died shortly after, prompting an investigation that revealed traces of cyanide in her body. The case drew increased scrutiny as police uncovered links to unsolved poisoning cases over nearly a decade, painting a broader picture of deceit and deadly intent.
Authorities reported that Sararat, an online gambling addict, had swindled significant sums from her victims, with one case involving a debt of approximately 300,000 baht (nearly $9,000). She reportedly killed her victims to cover up her gambling debts, stealing their jewelry and mobile phones after administering the deadly substance. The findings of the investigation included the collection of fingerprints and evidence from her vehicle, further solidifying the links to her alleged crimes.
After the verdict was announced, Siriporn’s mother, Tongpin Kiatchanasiri, expressed her relief and sorrow, stating, “The court’s decision is just. I want to tell my daughter that I miss her deeply, and justice has been done for her today.”
In addition to the current conviction, Sararat faces 13 more murder trials and has been charged with around 80 crimes total, signifying the extensive nature of the investigation into her actions. Her former spouse, who still lived with her despite their divorce, received a 16-month prison sentence for complicity in Siriporn’s murder, with suggestions that his involvement may extend to other alleged victims.
The ramifications of Sararat’s case are profound, reflecting a concerning trend in Thailand, where several high-profile murder cases involving cyanide have emerged. Just earlier this year, six foreigners were found dead in a luxury hotel in Bangkok in a suspected cyanide poisoning incident linked to significant gambling debts.
As the legal proceedings continue, the attention on Sararat’s case emphasizes both the complexities of criminal investigations and the societal issues surrounding crime and addiction in Thailand, setting the stage for an unfolding narrative that may reveal even darker elements of this troubling saga.
