In a landmark ruling, Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, a 36-year-old woman from Thailand, has been sentenced to death for the murder of 14 friends through the use of cyanide. The Bangkok court delivered its verdict after uncovered evidence linked Sararat to the poisoning deaths, with the most recent incident occurring during a trip with her friend, Siriporn Khanwong.
As reported, Siriporn collapsed and died after consuming a meal prepared by Sararat, who reportedly showed no signs of concern for her friend’s well-being. Post-mortem examinations revealed cyanide in Siriporn's system, and inconsistencies surrounding the friend’s valuables were uncovered by investigators.
This case has unveiled a series of similar deaths going back several years and ignited widespread media interest, leading to Sararat being labeled "Am Cyanide" by Thai outlets. Police have reported that Sararat allegedly targeted friends from whom she borrowed money due to a gambling addiction. It is further alleged that she stole their belongings after leading them to their demise.
The emotional weight of this case has weighed heavily on the families affected. Thongpin Kiatchanasiri, Siriporn’s mother, expressed a mixture of grief and relief outside the courtroom, clutching a photo of her late daughter. Among her comments, she noted, “You got justice, my child,” directed towards the heavens, denoting a bittersweet victory for the victims' families.
Accompanying the sentences handed down to Sararat were prison terms for her former husband and a lawyer, accused of concealing evidence and aiding her in evasion of justice. The former spouse, a police officer, is believed to have had an active role in her alleged criminal activities.
In addition to her death sentence, Sararat was directed to compensate Siriporn's family by paying two million baht, a ruling that perhaps illustrates the long-lasting impact of grief on those left behind.
The circumstances surrounding the use of cyanide—known to starve the body's cells of oxygen—have prompted discussions across Thailand about the regulation of such potent substances, as well as the underlying social issues that may lead to tragic betrayals.
