A woman in Thailand has been sentenced to death in the first case in which she is accused of killing 14 friends with cyanide.
A Bangkok court found 36-year-old Sarat Rangsyuthapuran guilty of poisoning a wealthy friend’s food while on a trip last year.
Friend’s relatives refused to believe that he died of natural causes and an autopsy found traces of cyanide in his body. Police arrested Sarat and uncovered other similar deaths in 2015. One person he allegedly targeted survived.
Police say Sarat, dubbed M Cyanide by Thai media, was addicted to gambling and targeted friends he owed money to, then stole their jewelry and valuables. .
Police said Sarat traveled in April 2023 with her friend Sripuran Khanong, 32, to Ratchaburi province, west of Bangkok, where they took part in a Buddhist protection ritual at a river.
Investigators said Sripuran collapsed and died after eating with Sarat, who made no attempt to help her.
Police said Sripuran’s body was found with traces of cyanide and her phone, money and bag were missing when she was found.
“You got justice, my child. Today, there is justice in this world,” said Thongpen Kyachanasri, Sripuran’s mother, holding a picture of her daughter in front of the courtroom.
Angered, Thongpin said, she could not stand to look at Sarat, who she said was smiling as the sentence was being read. Sarat did not confess to the charges leveled against him.
Her ex-husband, a former police officer, and her lawyer were sentenced to one year and four months, and two years in prison, respectively, for concealing evidence to help avoid prosecution. He also pleaded not guilty before his sentencing on Wednesday.
ex-husband, Vitoon Rangsiwuthaporn gave himself up last year.. Police said she probably helped Sarat poison an ex-boyfriend, Suthisak Ponquan.
Sarat was also ordered to pay 2 million baht ($57,667; £45,446) in compensation to Sripuran’s family.
Cyanide starves the body’s cells of oxygen, which can lead to heart attacks. Early symptoms include dizziness, shortness of breath and vomiting.
It can cause lung injury, coma and death within seconds when consumed in large doses, but even small doses can be very harmful.
Its use is highly regulated in Thailand and those with unauthorized access face up to two years in prison.
