Reuters reported that Thai police officials confirmed that at least 6 people 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 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the six people found dead at the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel in Bangkok are believed to be four Vietnamese and two Vietnamese Americans.
Police officials denied previous reports in Thai media that six people were killed in a shooting.
“There are no signs of a shooting , ” the official told Reuters without further explanation.
Initial investigation by Thai police showed that the Vietnamese citizens died from cyanide poisoning. Local media reported that these 6 people included 3 men and 3 women. Two of these people also have American citizenship. Thai police said that the cause of death could be an act of revenge or could be related to a cult. There was no trace of a fight.
Thai newspaper Matichon announced the identities of 6 victims:
1. Ms. Sherine Chong, American nationality, 56 years old, entered Thailand on July 5, entered and exited Thailand 5 times.
2. Mr. Dang Van Hung, American nationality, 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, Vietnamese nationality, 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, investigation commander of the Metropolitan Police Department, confirmed that it was possible that six people died from poisoning and that it appeared they had consumed coffee and tea in the room. Bangkok Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang confirmed that there were no signs of fighting and that the victims planned to check out on July 16. All luggage in the room has been packed.
According to police, a "suspicious substance" was found at the bottom of a glass in the hotel room.
CNA reported that Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin arrived at the scene.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin requested a thorough, rigorous and careful investigation to avoid causing damage to the public and protect 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 investigators did not find any signs of assault or robbery.
Meanwhile, Major General Theeradej Thamsuthee informed at the same press conference that 6 people may have been poisoned. Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang said that according to preliminary investigation results, all the victims were murdered by others.
Matichon newspaper reported that police are searching for two Vietnamese citizens considered "persons of concern".
