Death Penalty for Woman in Thai Cyanide Serial Killings
In a landmark ruling that has sent shockwaves across Thailand, the Bangkok court has sentenced Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn to death for the cyanide poisoning of at least 12 people. The verdict marks a significant development in the high-profile serial murder case that has gripped the nation.
Circumstances of the Crime
Sararat’s first victim, Siriporn Khanwong, was poisoned with cyanide in 2022. Surveillance footage showed the two women together before Siriporn collapsed and died. Subsequent investigations revealed that Sararat had spiked Siriporn’s food with the deadly substance. The motive for the crime, according to the judge’s statement during the three-hour-long hearing, was to steal property worth over $4,400.
Gambling Debts and Motive
As the investigation unfolded, it was discovered that Sararat, a gambling addict, had resorted to murder and robbery to pay off her debts. The judge noted this incriminating fact during the hearing. The case was further sensationalized due to Sararat’s connections to her ex-husband, Witoon Rangsiwuthaporn, a former senior police officer, and her pregnancy at the time of her arrest in May 2023.
Additional Allegations and Evidence
Following Sararat’s arrest, another woman came forward to accuse her of poisoning her several years prior. The accuser remained silent until after Sararat’s arrest, claiming to be fearful of her ex-husband’s influence as a police lieutenant colonel. Investigators found traces of cyanide in Siriporn’s autopsy, linking her death to a pattern of unsolved cyanide poisonings. The victims had all consumed food or drinks in the presence of Sararat before their untimely demise.
Trial and Sentencing
During her trial, Sararat chose not to testify. The court convicted her of premeditated murder, robbery causing death, and spiking food or consumables resulting in death. In addition to the death sentence, she was ordered to pay compensation for unrecovered stolen items. Siriporn’s family erupted in tears and embraced upon hearing the verdict, while Sararat maintained a detached demeanor, engaging with her lawyer throughout the hearing.
Sentences for Co-Defendants
Sararat’s ex-husband, Witoon, and her lawyer, Thanicha Eksuwanwat, were also sentenced on Wednesday. Thanicha, who allegedly urged Witoon to conceal evidence, received a two-year prison sentence. Witoon, the former law enforcement officer, was sentenced to one year and four months. Both have been granted bail pending their appeals.
Appeal and Upcoming Cases
Thanicha has stated that Sararat denies the accusations and intends to appeal her conviction. Meanwhile, the national police agency is preparing to submit additional murder cases against Sararat to the prosecutor next week. Thailand’s de facto moratorium on the death penalty was lifted in 2018, with one execution taking place since then. Several other high-profile cases have resulted in death sentences, including the murders of two British backpackers in 2019. The case of Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn serves as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of violent crime and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.
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