Thai Women's Killer Series, Allegedly Killing 12 Friends Including Ex-Girlfriend Using Cyanide

Illustration-(Photo: DOK ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Thai police arrested a woman who allegedly killed 12 friends and acquaintances using cyanide. The perpetrator named Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn was arrested in Bangkok on Tuesday, April 25. The murder report was filed by the family of the last victim who had traveled with Sararat earlier this month. The results of a police investigation as reported by the BBC confirmed that Sararat had killed 11 other people, including one of his ex-girlfriends. Quoted from the BBC, Thursday, April 27, the police accused Sararat of killing for financial reasons. Sararat denied all these allegations. Thai authorities have rejected his guarantee. Two weeks ago, he traveled with his friend to Ratchaburi province, west of Bangkok, where they participated in a Buddhist protection ritual in a river, police said. Shortly thereafter, his friend Siriporn Khanwong fainted and died by the river. "The cyanide policy was found in his body during the autopsy," said the police. Meanwhile, the victim's cellphone, money, and bag were also missing when they were found. Authorities said the other victim suspects had died in the same way, but did not disclose further information. The murder began in 2020. They also did not identify all the victims, but mentioned former Sararat colleagues, as well as two female police officers, among the dead. Thai police also questioned Sararat's colleague - a senior police officer in Ratchaburi province, where his friend died. The couple recently separated, Thai media reported. Police said Sararat knew all the victims and he might have been motivated by financial reasons. A friend, believed to be the target of the police, has lent him 250,000 baht (or more than Rp107 million) said the police. The woman vomited and fainted after lunch with Sararat but survived. "The victim's sister also reported missing jewelry and cash," the police said. The family, continued the police, did not suspect any violations at the time. The matter of collecting evidence can be a challenge for investigators. Not to mention that several bodies have also been cremated. Cyanides can be detected in bodies a few months after death, if used in a lethal amount.

The poison makes the body's cells lack oxygen, which can cause a heart attack. Initial symptoms include dizziness, shortness of breath, and vomiting. Its use in Thailand is highly regulated and those found to have unauthorized access face two years in prison.