The luxury Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand was the scene of a mysterious and fatal incident involving cyanide poisoning. Six guests, including two Vietnamese Americans and four Vietnamese nationals, were found dead in a room on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, prompting an international investigation involving the FBI and Vietnamese authorities.
The victims were identified as Sherine Chong, 56; Dang Hung Van, 55; Thi Nguyen Phuong Lan, 47; Dinh Tran Phu, 37; Thi Nguyen Phuong, 46; and Hong Pham Thanh, 49. The group had checked into the hotel at different times over the weekend, occupying rooms on various floors before gathering in a suite on the fifth floor.
Police believe the deaths resulted from a dispute over a $278,000 investment in a hospital project in Japan. Chong, an investment broker, allegedly persuaded Thanh and Phuong to invest a substantial sum. As the project failed to progress, tensions escalated, culminating in the fatal meeting.
Hotel staff discovered the bodies after the group failed to check out. The scene showed no signs of struggle, but traces of cyanide were found in a tea kettle, six cups, and in the victims’ blood, said Bangkok Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Thiti Saengsawang. The food ordered to the room remained untouched, although drinks had been consumed.
Authorities are investigating whether one of the victims might have poisoned the others before dying from the poison themselves. A seventh person associated with the hotel booking, who was the younger sister of one of the victims, left Thailand on July 10 and is not believed to be involved in the deaths.
Security footage showed the six individuals arriving separately and having no other visitors. The bodies were found in different parts of the hotel room, with four in the living room and two in the bedroom. Police believe two of the victims attempted to reach the door before collapsing.
The U.S. State Department has offered condolences to the families of the deceased. “We are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to provide consular assistance to those families,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. The FBI is en route to assist with the investigation.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered a swift and thorough investigation, urging all relevant agencies to act quickly to prevent any adverse impact on Thailand’s tourism industry. “This tragic event underscores the need for vigilance and thorough investigation to ensure the safety and security of our visitors,” he stated.
In Bangkok’s bustling Ratchaprasong district, the Grand Hyatt Erawan is known for its luxurious accommodations and high-profile clientele. The hotel management has expressed condolences and is cooperating fully with the authorities.
