A Thai woman was given a death sentence for killing 14 friends via cyanide

Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn was given the death penalty for using cyanide to kill 14 of her companions.

In the first of several instances, a Thai lady was found guilty of using cyanide to kill 14 of her companions and was given the death penalty.

Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 36, was found guilty by a Bangkok court of poisoning a rich friend’s food and drink during their trip last year.

An autopsy revealed evidence of cyanide in the friend’s body, but her family refused to believe she died naturally. Sararat was taken into custody by police, who also discovered more fatalities that were similar dating back to 2015. She apparently targeted one victim, but she survived.

According to police, Sararat, who was known as Am Cyanide in Thai media, was addicted to gambling and targeted acquaintances she owed money to, stealing their wealth and jewelry in the process.

In April 2023, Sararat and her companion Siriporn Khanwong, 32, traveled to Ratchaburi province, west of Bangkok, where they participated in a Buddhist protection ceremony by a river, according to authorities.

Investigators revealed that after eating with Sararat, who did nothing to assist her, Siriporn passed away.

According to authorities, Siriporn’s phone, cash, and baggage were gone when she was discovered, and cyanide traces were discovered in her corpse.

“My darling, you received justice. In front of the courthouse, Siriporn’s mother, Thongpin Kiatchanasiri, clutched a picture of her daughter and declared, “Today, there is justice in this world.”

Sararat was smiling when the punishment was given, but Thongpin claimed that she was so furious that she could not bear to look at her. Sararat entered a not guilty plea to the accusations made against her.

Her lawyer and her ex-husband, a former police officer, were sentenced to two years and one year in jail, respectively, for concealing evidence to help her avoid punishment. Prior to Wednesday’s sentence, they had also entered a not guilty plea.

Last year, Vitoon Rangsiwuthaporn, the ex-husband, surrendered. According to the police, he most likely assisted Sararat in poisoning Suthisak Poonkwan, an ex-boyfriend.

Additionally, Sararat was mandated to compensate Siriporn’s family with two million baht ($57,667; £45,446).

Cyanide can cause heart attacks by depriving the body’s cells of oxygen. Breathlessness, nausea, and lightheadedness are among the first symptoms.

When taken in high quantities, it can cause lung damage, coma, and death in a matter of seconds, but even little dosages can have serious negative effects.

In Thailand, its usage is strictly restricted, and anybody discovered in possession of it without authorization faces up to two years in prison.