Death sentence for cyanide serial killer stirs reactions, legal battles loom
The court’s decision to sentence the Thai cyanide serial killer to death for the poisoning of one of her friends has sparked a wave of reactions. Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, also known as “Am Cyanide” was sentenced by the Criminal Court of Thailand yesterday, November 20, alongside her former husband and her lawyer.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Withun received a sentence of one year and four months while lawyer Thannicha Ek-suwannawat, known as “Lawyer Patch,” was sentenced to two years. Both Pol. Lt. Col. Withun and Lawyer Patch were granted bail with a deposit of 100,000 baht (US$2,885) each.
The legal proceedings took place at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road. After the verdict, Pol. Lt. Col. Withun exited the court at 5.38pm, choosing not to engage with reporters and swiftly leaving the premises. Lawyer Patch, accompanied by Chaiya Khumam, the legal representative for all three defendants, spoke to the press after receiving bail.
“Today’s ruling is the court’s discretion, which we must respect and not overstep. However, we disagree with the verdict as there is a lack of clear evidence from the prosecution.”
Chaiya highlighted that the defence’s evidence, including CCTV footage and expert opinions, was not considered in the ruling. This oversight left Lawyer Patch questioning the fairness of the decision, especially with the absence of Dr Porntip’s expert opinion in the judgement.
The lawyer further argued that the defence’s evidence was presented during the trial, yet the court did not take it into account. Instead, the court seemed to rely solely on the prosecution’s narrative, disregarding potential evidence that could have showcased the defendant’s innocence. For instance, the defence brought forward CCTV footage allegedly proving no tampering occurred in the car, which was not considered by the court, said Lawyer Patch.
“The police ordered cyanide on April 25, 2023, to test in the car, which was used in the case file. Interestingly, no cyanide traces were found on Am or the deceased’s clothing or belongings.”
Death sentence
Am Cyanide expressed feelings of injustice following the court’s decision. According to Chaiya, Am anticipated such an outcome but was visibly emotional, showing red-rimmed eyes during discussions post-verdict. Her concerns seemed more directed towards Withun and Lawyer Patch rather than herself.
Chaiya added, “Am feels that justice has not been served and has mentally prepared for this outcome. Her worry for Withun and Lawyer Patch surpasses her own predicament.”
Lawyer Patch refrained from disclosing further defence strategies for the appeal, citing potential impacts on the case. However, he assured that their actions were not attempts to conceal evidence or aid the guilty in escaping justice, reported KhaoSod.
Meanwhile, public reactions to the case have been mixed, with some noting Am’s seemingly composed demeanour during the sentencing. Reports highlighted that Am, despite the gravity of the situation, appeared unfazed and even smiled as the verdict was read, sparking debate about her reaction.
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