18-7-2024 (BANGKOK) Thai authorities have made a startling discovery while investigating the deaths of six Vietnamese tourists in a prominent Bangkok hotel, uncovering suspicious substances that may shed light on the tragedy.
Police Assistant Chief, Police Lieutenant General Itthipol Atchariyapradit, revealed today that investigators have opened the luggage belonging to the deceased for the first time since the incident. The examination, conducted in the presence of relatives of five of the victims, embassy officials, and forensic experts, has yielded intriguing findings.
“We’ve found some carefully sealed medications in one of the bags,” Lt Gen Itthipol stated during a press conference at Lumpini Police Station. “These substances require further laboratory analysis to determine their exact nature.”
The case, which has captivated public attention, involves the deaths of six individuals, initially believed to have succumbed to cyanide poisoning. Authorities suspect that one of the deceased may have been responsible for poisoning the others, potentially due to a 10 million baht debt related to a failed investment in a Japanese hospital project.
Contrary to circulating rumours, investigators did not find any “snake wine” – a traditional Vietnamese tonic – in the luggage. However, they did discover various medicines, vitamins, and snacks among the victims’ possessions.
“At this stage, we cannot confirm whether the sealed substances are related to cyanide without proper laboratory testing,” the police chief emphasised. He added that most items in the suitcases were clothing and personal effects, with no cash found. All valuables appeared to be intact.
A complication has arisen regarding one of the victims, an American national. “We’ve been unable to contact his relatives, which prevents us from examining his luggage,” Lt Gen Itthipol explained. “We’re working with the US Embassy to locate his next of kin.”
Investigators have interviewed the son of one of the deceased, who confirmed the group’s business relationship but couldn’t provide detailed information about their investments or alleged debts. Thai authorities are now collaborating with the Vietnamese Embassy to gather more information about the victims’ financial activities in Vietnam.
