Brian Jeffrey
Thai authorities have identified a suspect in the tragic deaths of six Vietnamese tourists at the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel in Bangkok. It is suspected that one of the group members used a toxic substance to poison the others before taking their own life, possibly due to debt-related reasons.
Police Major General Thiradej Thammasuthee, head of the Metropolitan Investigation Unit of the Royal Thai Police, revealed that investigations have been conducted, including questioning the daughter of one of the deceased and other witnesses. The prime suspect, Sherine Chong, a Vietnamese-American, is believed to have poisoned the victims before ending her own life, likely motivated by significant debts.
The hotel room where the incident occurred was locked from the inside, with no signs of forced entry or exit. Forensic analysis is pending to confirm the exact poison used in the tragic events.
Key Findings and FBI Involvement
Initial discoveries revealed six glasses with traces of white powder, untouched food, and various items like tea, energy drinks, and honey in the room. The seventh individual who had reserved a room did not show up and later returned to Vietnam.
The FBI has sent a team to Thailand to aid in the investigation, particularly since two American passport holders were among the deceased. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visited the site to reassure that the incident would not harm the tourism industry and collaborated with the Vietnamese Ambassador to ensure a thorough investigation.
The victims have been identified as Nguyen Thi Phuong Lan (47), Pham Thanh Hong (49), Nguyen Thi Phuong (46), Tran Dinh Phu (37), Dang Van Hung (55), and Sherine Chong (56).
The U.S. Department of State has extended condolences and is working closely with local authorities to determine the cause of death and support the affected families.
Minh Thu – Tuan Tran
