A woman in Thailand, Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, has been sentenced to death for the murder of a friend, marking the first case in a series of cyanide poisoning deaths she is suspected of committing. The court in Bangkok convicted the 36-year-old for poisoning a wealthy friend during a trip last year. The victim’s relatives, unconvinced by the initial natural death verdict, requested an autopsy, which revealed traces of cyanide in the woman’s body. This led to Sararat’s arrest, and further investigations uncovered a string of similar deaths dating back to 2015, with one person surviving the poisoning attempt.

Known in Thai media as “Am Cyanide,” Sararat reportedly had a gambling addiction and preyed on friends she owed money to, stealing their valuables, including jewelry, after poisoning them. In April 2023, she traveled with 32-year-old Siriporn Khanwong to Ratchaburi province, where they participated in a Buddhist ritual at a river. After a meal, Siriporn collapsed and died, and Sararat made no attempt to help her. When Siriporn’s body was found, her phone, money, and bags were missing, and traces of cyanide were detected.

Siriporn’s mother, Thongpin Kiatchanasiri, expressed relief and anger outside the courtroom after the sentencing, holding a photo of her daughter. Sararat, who pleaded not guilty, was sentenced to death, while her former husband, an ex-police officer, and her lawyer were given prison sentences for aiding her in evading justice. Sararat was also ordered to pay 2 million baht in compensation to Siriporn’s family.

Cyanide, a highly toxic substance, disrupts oxygen supply to the body’s cells, causing heart attacks, respiratory failure, and potentially death within seconds when ingested in large amounts. Even small doses can be dangerous, and cyanide use is strictly regulated in Thailand.