Who's 'Am Cyanide,' Thailand's woman serial killer sentenced to death
What's the story
Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, also known as "Am Cyanide" by local media, has been sentenced to death by a Thai court for the premeditated murder of one of her alleged 15 victims.
The court found that Sararat poisoned Siriporn Khanwong with cyanide during a trip in April 2023.
This incident was the first clue that led police to investigate Sararat's alleged killing spree.
Additional charges
Sararat faces additional charges, linked to unsolved cases
Sararat now faces 13 more murder charges and one attempted murder charge.
Reportedly an online gambling addict, she is accused of defrauding her victims of thousands of dollars before killing them with cyanide.
Police have connected Sararat to unsolved cyanide poisoning cases since 2015, alleging she borrowed money from her victims to feed her gambling addiction and killed them when they demanded repayment.
Accomplices sentenced
Sararat's ex-husband and lawyer sentenced, released on bail
The court revealed Sararat showed no surprise when Siriporn collapsed and made no effort to help her. Instead, she took Siriporn's valuables worth 154,630 baht.
Deadly levels of potassium cyanide were found in Siriporn's blood, stomach, and liver.
Evidence showed Sararat's bank accounts recorded transactions totaling 95 million baht linked to online gambling networks.
Her ex-husband, Withoon Rangsiwuthaporn, and lawyer Thanicha Aeksuwannawat were sentenced for helping conceal Siriporn's bag but were released on bail pending appeal.
Compensation ordered
Sararat, accomplices ordered to pay compensation
The court ordered Sararat, Withoon and Thanicha to pay 2.34 million baht in compensation to Siriporn's family. All three denied the charges against them.
Siriporn's mother expressed satisfaction with the verdict, saying "The court's decision is just... I want to tell my daughter that I miss her deeply and justice has been done for her today."
Motive revealed
Sararat's motive reportedly robbery
Sararat pleaded not guilty to all charges. Reportedly, her motive was robbery as many victims transferred large sums of money to her.
Among the suspected victims was her boyfriend Sutthisak Phoonkhwan, who died in March 2023.
The investigation, led by Pol General Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn, was extensive with testimony from 900 witnesses over three months.
Authorities continue investigating 14 more cases linked to Sararat.