Six people found dead at luxury Bangkok hotel in possible poisoning, cops probing ‘cult activities’
Six people, including two American Vietnamese and four Vietnamese nationals, were found dead and foaming at the mouth in a luxury hotel in Thailand on Tuesday in what cops are investigating as deliberate poisoning.
Local news outlet Khaosod English reported that cops are looking at whether possible “cult activities” or business-related issues could be to blame for the mysterious deaths after the bodies were discovered at the five-star Grand Hyatt Erawan in Bangkok just after 5:30 p.m.
Maj. Gen. Theeradet Thumsuthee, investigative commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, confirmed they were likely poisoned and appeared to have consumed coffee and tea in the room.
The guests had checked in to different rooms over the weekend, but their bodies were found in one room, with no signs of any struggle, Bangkok Police Chief Lt. Gen. Thiti Sangsawang said.
“This was not self-harm, but someone caused the deaths,” Thiti said, adding that police were currently looking for a seventh person, also a Vietnamese national, connected to the group.
A hotel maid made the grim discovery after the three men and three women failed to check out on time.
Their luggage was found packed and ready to go by the door, the Thiti said.
Investigators are testing several drinks that were found inside the room after traces of “suspicious substances” were spotted floating in the cups and glasses.
Food that had been ordered via room service hadn’t been touched, Thiti noted.
Two of the guests — Chong Sherine, 56, and Dang Hung Van, 55 — both had American citizenship, the Bangkok Post reported. The four others were identified as Nguyen Thi Phuong Lan, 47; Pham Hong Thanh, 49; Tran Dinh Phu, 37; and Nguyen Thi Phuong, 46.
The relationship between the dead isn’t known.
“We are tracing every step since they got off the plane,” Thiti said.
Another person, who is believed to be a tour guide, was reportedly taken in for questioning by cops in the aftermath, although it wasn’t clear if they were a suspect.
