Woman linked to 14 cyanide murders is convicted and sentenced to death in Thailand

Thai Woman Convicted of Poisoning 14 People with Cyanide, Sentenced to Death

In a shocking case that has stunned Thailand, Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, a 36-year-old woman, was convicted and sentenced to death for poisoning her friend with cyanide. This marks the first of what could be 14 separate trials, with Sararat accused of committing one of the worst serial killing sprees in the country’s history.

The Dark Tale of Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn’s Cyanide Murders

Sararat’s case has captivated the nation, not just due to the chilling nature of her crimes, but also because of her methodical approach to swindling and killing her victims. An online gambling addict, she allegedly used cyanide to murder at least 14 people, swindling large sums of money from them and stealing their valuables before taking their lives. Authorities have linked her to a series of poisonings dating back to 2015.

The latest conviction stems from the death of her friend, Siriporn Kanwong, who was found collapsed after a meeting in April 2023. Sararat and Siriporn had met to release fish into the Mae Klong River, a Buddhist ritual meant to promote merit. Just hours later, Siriporn died, and investigators soon discovered traces of cyanide in her body.

Investigating the Murders

Police quickly connected Sararat to the crime, gathering evidence such as fingerprints from her vehicle, a Toyota Forerunner, and other items that helped them tie her to the killing. Further investigations revealed that she had been using the same method—cyanide poisoning—on multiple other victims. In some cases, Sararat borrowed large amounts of money from her victims, only to murder them shortly thereafter and steal their personal belongings, including jewelry and mobile phones.

One of the most disturbing aspects of this case is the method Sararat used to poison her victims: she would lure them into taking “herb capsules,” which were, in reality, laced with cyanide. Despite the efforts to cover her tracks, authorities managed to link Sararat to a series of similar deaths, some of which were unsolved until the police investigation into her crimes.

The Scope of Sararat’s Crimes

Sararat’s criminal activities span several years, and authorities believe there may be even more victims yet to be discovered. To date, she faces 13 additional murder trials, with each case involving similar patterns of poisoning and theft. In total, she has been charged with nearly 80 offenses, which include the murders of ex-boyfriends and other acquaintances. Police also suspect that Sararat’s ex-husband, Vitoon Rangsiwuthaporn, a former police officer, was complicit in some of the crimes, helping her with the extortion and cover-ups. Vitoon was recently sentenced to 16 months in prison for his involvement in the murder of Siriporn.

As investigators continue to piece together the extent of Sararat’s criminal activities, public interest remains high. Thailand has seen several notorious criminal cases in recent years, including a similar cyanide poisoning incident that left six foreigners dead in a luxury Bangkok hotel. However, none have captured the public’s attention quite like this case.

The Verdict and Sentencing

On November 20, 2024, Sararat was convicted of first-degree murder for the poisoning of Siriporn Kanwong. The court handed down a death sentence, which is still subject to appeal. The conviction has sparked a wave of emotions across the country, with some people expressing relief that justice has been served, while others remain concerned about the state of law enforcement and the prevalence of such heinous acts.

Siriporn’s mother, Tongpin Kiatchanasiri, expressed her sorrow following the verdict, stating, “The court’s decision is just. I want to tell my daughter that I miss her deeply, and justice has been done for her today.”

Despite Sararat’s conviction, the case is far from over. She faces many more trials ahead, and the true scale of her criminal activity may take years to fully uncover.

The Aftermath of a Disturbing Case

The case of Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of addiction, financial desperation, and the lengths to which some individuals will go for personal gain. The cyanide murders in Thailand have raised questions about the effectiveness of the country’s legal system, as well as the growing concern over online gambling and its link to criminal behavior.

As more trials unfold, the public will continue to watch closely, hoping that justice will be fully served and that the victims of Sararat’s crimes can finally rest in peace.


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