Mystery as six people found dead in luxury Bangkok hotel potential ’mass poisoning’

16 July 2024 , 19:51

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Thai authorities were called to the scene at around 5.30pm following reports of the bodies being found ( Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Thai media outlets have reported that six people - both American and Vietnamese - have died in the shock poisoning at a famous hotel in Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong area

Thailand authorities are investigating the six mystery deaths of people at a luxury hotel following reports of a shooting and poisoning in its capital city.

Local media outlets reported this afternoon that police rushed to the scene after a body was found at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel in the Ratchaprasong district of Bangkok. After attending the scene last night, it was reported that officers uncovered a further five. 

Thailand’s Matichon newspaper cited a report by local authorities which stated police arrived at the scene at around 7.30pm local time (1.30am BST), following the shock discovery by staff. According to the outlet, staff working at the Grand Hyatt found one body at around 5.30pm (11.30pm BST), and called police to the scene, who later confirmed the additional deceased.

Forensics teams later arrived, with early investigations suggesting the deaths may have resulted from cyanide poisonings, but the exact causes are still unconfirmed. Two of the dead, a reporter said, were of Vietnamese origin but held American passports, while the remaining four hailed from Vietnam.

One person is said to have been found outside the room, and the remaining five inside. Reports had earlier suggested that people were killed in a shooting, but authorities have since confirmed this is not the case. Speaking to Reuters, one anonymous official said: "There is no sign of a shooting." Srettha Thavisin, Thailand’s prime minister, has now ordered an investigation into the shock incident.

Thailand’s president has ordered an investigation into the incident ( Image: ViralPress)

The Grand Hyatt Erawan is a plush hotel in a highly central part of Bangkok known for its commercial and diplomatic links, and is situated next to the Erawan shrine, a gilded pilgrimage site. The hotel’s website states it is fitted with 380 rooms and an additional 44 suites, and it offers both luxury dining and in-house spa treatment for its guests.  

The site states: "Blessed with a privileged position in the capital’s key commercial and diplomatic district, next to Erawan Shrine, Grand Hyatt Bangkok, 5 star hotel Bangkok, offers a refined retreat from the city’s hustle bustle. Immerse yourself in the fascinating sights and delights of downtown Bangkok while luxuriating in the height of opulence and comfort."

Thomas Brown