Death Sentence for Thai Woman Convicted of Poisoning Friends with Cyanide

Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn has been sentenced to death for the chilling murders of 14 friends using cyanide.

In a shocking turn of events, a Thai woman has received a death sentence after being convicted of murdering 14 acquaintances with cyanide. Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 36, was pronounced guilty by a Bangkok court for her role in the death of her wealthy friend Siriporn Khanwong, 32, during a trip last year. The evidence put forth included a troubling autopsy that revealed cyanide in the victim's system, contrary to the family's initial belief that Siriporn had passed away from natural causes.

Following the death, police initiated an investigation and arrested Sararat in April 2023. As the inquiry continued, law enforcement officials uncovered a series of suspicious deaths dating back to 2015, which Sararat allegedly orchestrated out of a desire to settle debts accrued from her gambling addiction. It was reported that she targeted friends to whom she owed money, subsequently stealing their valuables after poisoning them.

The court proceedings became emblematic of a larger narrative of betrayal, with Siriporn's mother, Thongpin Kiatchanasiri, expressing heartfelt emotions when the verdict was disclosed. Holding a photo of her daughter, she conveyed her relief for the closure the ruling provided, stating, "You got justice, my child. Today, there is justice in this world."

Despite her conviction, Sararat has maintained her innocence and was seen smiling as the judgment was pronounced. Two others caught in the web of this tragic case, Sararat's former husband and a lawyer, received prison sentences for their attempts to hide evidence of the crimes and assist her in avoiding prosecution.

In addition to the death penalty, Sararat has been ordered to compensate Siriporn's family approximately two million baht ($57,667; £45,446). Cyanide, a substance capable of inducing swift death, has sparked horror and urgency in Thailand, which closely regulates its access. The macabre details surrounding Sararat's crimes continue to unfold, leaving a grim reminder of the potential of human betrayal.