National —
On November 20th, 2024, the Thai Criminal Court delivered its verdict in the high-profile cyanide poisoning case involving Sararat “Am Cyanide” Rangsiwuthaporn, her ex-husband, and a lawyer.
The case revolved around the murder of Sararat’s friend through cyanide poisoning, allegedly carried out to steal valuables. Prosecutors and the victim’s mother jointly sought damages of 30 million baht.
Sararat, 36, was convicted of premeditated murder, theft causing death, and tampering with consumables leading to fatal harm. She received the death penalty.
Pol. Lt. Col. Withoon Rangsiwuthaporn, 40, Sararat’s former husband and a former deputy superintendent, was sentenced to 1 year and 4 months in prison without suspension for assisting in concealing evidence.
Lawyer Thannicha Aeksuwannawat, 36, was sentenced to 2 years without suspension for aiding Sararat and destroying evidence.
Victim’s mother, Mrs. Thongpin, arrived at court carrying her daughter’s portrait, tearfully calling for justice. She shared her grief, stating, “I hope my daughter did not die in vain. I think of her every day and night. I want this case to remind others not to trust too easily, even close friends.”
The plaintiff’s lawyer, Decha Kittivittayanan, acknowledged the defense’s key argument that no eyewitnesses directly saw the poisoning. However, he emphasized that Sararat’s refusal to testify meant the court relied entirely on the prosecution’s evidence. He expressed confidence in the strength of the evidence presented.
The court also ordered the defendants to pay 2 million baht in damages to the victim’s family.
Am Cyanide is accused of using similar tactics to kill many other people, but this was the first case to go to trial. It is unclear if an appeal will be filed as of press time.
We talk about the legal status of cyanide in Thailand HERE.
Earlier this year six foreigners were found dead in a Bangkok hotel from cyanide poisoning in a case that turned out to be a murder/suicide over a debt and business dispute between business partners.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
