Tags: Cyanide poisoning, serial killer, Thailand, criminal justice, court verdict
Death Sentence for Notorious Serial Killer
Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, a 36-year-old Thai woman, was sentenced to death for poisoning her friend, Siriporn Kanwong, with cyanide. This marks the first conviction in a series of 14 alleged murders, making her one of Thailand’s most notorious serial killers. Sararat, an online gambling addict, reportedly used her crimes to fund her addiction by swindling her victims before killing them.
The First Murder Conviction
The crime occurred in April 2023 when Sararat and Siriporn performed a Buddhist fish release ritual near Bangkok. Shortly after the ritual, Siriporn collapsed and died, with cyanide later detected in her body. Police linked Sararat to multiple unsolved cases dating back to 2015.
Siriporn’s mother, Tongpin Kiatchanasiri, expressed both grief and relief after the verdict, stating, “Justice has been done for her today.”
Method of Deception and Murder
Sararat’s modus operandi involved borrowing money from her victims, with amounts as high as 300,000 baht (around US$9,000). She would then poison them using herb capsules laced with cyanide. Police uncovered a pattern of 15 targeted individuals, 14 of whom died, while one managed to survive.
Wider Implications and Additional Trials
Sararat faces 13 more murder trials and a total of approximately 80 criminal charges. Her ex-husband, a police lieutenant-colonel, received a 16-month prison sentence, and her former lawyer was sentenced to two years for their roles in Siriporn’s death.
A Troubled History of High-Profile Crimes
Thailand has witnessed several chilling criminal cases in recent years. Earlier this year, six foreigners were found dead in a luxury Bangkok hotel, suspected victims of cyanide poisoning linked to massive debts. Sararat’s case adds another dark chapter to the country’s criminal history.
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