Six Found Dead in Locked Bangkok Hotel Suite
Shock in central Bangkok as six bodies are discovered at the swanky Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel. Authorities suspect poisoning in the mysterious deaths.
Luxury Suite Horror: Who Were the Victims?
The grim discovery was made late Tuesday afternoon by a hotel worker who entered a locked fifth-floor suite. Inside were three women and three men, including two Americans. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed the victims are likely Vietnamese nationals.
They had been dead for at least 24 hours before being found. Although the room was locked from the inside, staff accessed it through a separate door.
Poisoning Suspected — Motive Unknown
Officials have yet to pinpoint the exact cause of death. Prime Minister Srettha ruled out robbery or an attack, suggesting the deaths stem from something consumed.
Police revealed sealed food found in the suite appeared untouched, but all six cups had been used. Suspiciously, powder was found inside one cup.
“The food was untouched but all six cups were used. We found some kind of powder in the bottom of a cup,” said Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner Thiti Saengsawang. “This was not suicide, it’s a killing. We need to find out the motives.”
Investigation Underway as Police Hunt Seventh Person
The group originally booked as seven, but only five checked in. Six bodies were found. Police are now searching for the seventh individual.
Authorities are retracing the victims’ movements since their arrival. Parts of the group were staying on the fifth and seventh floors. Some luggage remains packed in the rooms.
The Grand Hyatt Erawan is a prestigious five-star hotel in Bangkok’s commercial heart.
Thai Government and US Respond
Prime Minister Srettha has met with the Vietnamese ambassador and ordered a swift probe. The Thai government vowed urgent action to protect tourism, a key economic sector hit hard by the pandemic.
The US State Department is monitoring the case closely and ready to offer consular help.
This tragedy adds to recent troubles for Thailand’s tourism, still recovering from last year’s Bangkok mall shooting that killed two foreigners.
