A Thai woman, Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, has been sentenced to death for poisoning a wealthy friend with cyanide in a case linked to the deaths of 14 others since 2015.
The Bangkok court found Sararat, 36, guilty of murdering her friend, Siriporn Khanwong, 32, during a trip in April 2023.
Siriporn collapsed after a meal with Sararat near a river in Ratchaburi Province. Investigators later found traces of cyanide in Siriporn’s body, and her belongings, including money and a phone, were missing.
Sararat, nicknamed “Am Cyanide” by Thai media, has been accused of targeting friends she owed money to because of a gambling addiction. Police said she poisoned them, stole their valuables, and left them to die.
“You got justice, my child. Today, there is justice in this world,” said Siriporn’s mother, Thongpin Kiatchanasiri, outside the courtroom. Holding a photo of her daughter, she added, “I couldn’t even look at [Sararat], who was smiling during the sentencing.”
Sararat has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Her former husband, ex-police officer Vitoon Rangsiwuthaporn, and her lawyer received prison sentences of one year and four months, and two years, respectively, for hiding evidence to help her avoid prosecution.
Police revealed that Sararat likely had Vitoon’s assistance in poisoning another victim, her ex-boyfriend, Suthisak Poonkwan. Vitoon surrendered to authorities last year.
The court also ordered Sararat to pay Siriporn’s family two million baht (approximately ₦45 million) in compensation.
Cyanide, a highly toxic substance, cuts off oxygen to the body’s cells, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, and, in severe cases, death within seconds. Its possession is strictly regulated in Thailand, with unauthorized access punishable by up to two years in prison.
