Reuters reported that Thai police officials confirmed that at least 6 people had died at a 5-star hotel in the Ratchaprasong area of Bangkok on July 16, adding that they were Vietnamese citizens.
According to the Thai Foreign Ministry, the six people found dead at the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel in Bangkok are believed to be four Vietnamese and two Vietnamese-American.
Police officials denied previous reports in Thai media that six people had died in a shootout.
There were no signs of a shooting, the official told Reuters without elaborating.
The initial investigation by Thai police shows that Vietnamese citizens died from cyanide poisoning. Local media reported that these 6 people included 3 men and 3 women. Two of these people are also US citizens. Thai police said the cause of the death could be revenge or could be related to a section. There were no traces of a fight.
Thai newspaper Matichon announced the identities of 6 victims:
1.Ms. Sherine Chong, American citizen, 56 years old, entered Thailand on July 5, entering and exiting Thailand 5 times.
2.Mr. Dang Van Hung, American citizen, 55 years old, entered Thailand on July 7.
3.Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Lan, Vietnamese nationality, 47 years old, entered Thailand on July 4.
4.Mr. Pham Thanh Hong, Vietnamese nationality, 49 years old, entered Thailand on July 12.
5.Mr. Tran Phu Dinh, a Vietnamese national, 37 years old, arrived in Thailand on July 12.
6.Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong, Vietnamese nationality, 46 years old, entered Thailand on July 12.
Major General Theeradet Thumsuthee, the commander of the investigation of the Capital Police Department, confirmed that there was a possibility that 6 people died from poisoning and that they appeared to have been drinking coffee and tea in the room. Bangkok police officer Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang confirmed there were no signs of fighting and the victims planned to return to their rooms on July 16. All the luggage in the room was packed.
According to the police, the "suspicious goods" were found at the bottom of the glass in a hotel room.
CNA reported that Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had arrived at the scene.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin called for a thorough, strict and cautious investigation to avoid causing damage to the public and protecting the image of tourists.
Tourism plays an important role in the Thai economy, accounting for about 20% of total employment and contributing about 12% to the country's $500 billion economy. Prime Minister Srettha's government aims to attract 80 million tourists by 2027.
Speaking at a press conference on the evening of July 16, Thai Prime Minister Srettha said that investigators had not found any signs of assault or robbery.
Meanwhile, Major General Theeradej Thamsuthee said at the same press conference that six people may have been poisoned. Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang said that according to the preliminary investigation results, all the victims were murdered by others.
Matichon newspaper reported that the police are hunting for two Vietnamese citizens who are considered "people of interest".
