Poisoned justice: CSD to wrap up cyanide serial killer cases

The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) officers reported today that they would submit the summary of the 14 cases that rocked Thailand involving the cyanide serial killer. The CSD revealed today, October 17, that they would present the summary to the prosecutor by the end of October. The suspect is expected to be sentenced for one major case in November.

The suspect in the well-known Thai case, Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, also known as Am Cyanide, is currently imprisoned at the Central Women’s Correctional Institution in Bangkok, facing accusations of 14 murders and 1 attempted murder.

The serial killings came to light after the family of Siriporn “Koy” Khanwong grew suspicious about the cause of her death and suspected Sararat’s involvement. Koy was captured on CCTV collapsing at a pier within a temple in the central province of Ratchaburi and later died.

Koy’s missing car and valuables, together with the discovery of cyanide in her system, strengthened the family’s suspicions of foul play. A woman resembling Sararat was also spotted on security camera footage.

Following Koy’s case, more families came forward seeking justice, claiming Sararat was involved in the deaths of their relatives. Cyanide was found in the systems of almost all the victims. One woman reported that she was also targeted by Sararat but managed to survive the poisoning.

Some 15 victims were reported with only one survivor. All the victims had financial connections with Sararat—some were her debtors, some participated in her kitty fund, and others were involved in business dealings with her.

Police examined multiple pieces of evidence and questioned more than 900 people. Only Koy’s case was submitted to the court, while the other 14 cases remain under investigation.

As it stands, Sararat is still legally innocent, as the court has not yet concluded its deliberations or issued a verdict. Recently, Sararat’s parents threatened to take legal action against anyone or any media outlet referring to their daughter as Am Cyanide, asserting that she is still presumed innocent.

The Commander of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Kittirat Phanphet, attended a meeting on the case at the CSD office today, where officers reportedly agreed that Sararat was guilty of all the cases. They plan to review all the evidence and related documents before submitting the case summaries to the court for further proceedings.

As for Koy’s case, which is already under court consideration, Sararat is required to attend a hearing on November 20 to hear the sentencing.