BANGKOK — A shocking incident occurred in the heart of Bangkok on Tuesday evening when 6 foreign bodies were discovered – American and Vietnamese nationals – in a luxury hotel at Ratchaprasong intersection.
After learning of the incident, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has already traveled to the hotel. He also ordered relevant agencies to urgently investigate and control the situation, proceeding with strict caution and thoroughness. He does not want this to affect other tourists.
This incident was notified at 16:30 on July 16 by Pol. Lt. Col. Pairat Kamlee, Deputy Superintendent of Lumpini Police Station that 6 deceased persons found inside the luxury hotel on Ratchadamri Road, Lumpini Subdistrict, Pathumwan District.
He rushed to the scene along with Pol. Lt. Gen. Thiti Saengsawang, Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Pol. Maj. Gen. Noppasilp Poolsawat, Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner, forensic officers, forensic doctors, and volunteer foundation staff.
Initial information indicates that there are 6 deceased persons of American and Vietnamese nationalities in the hotel, on the 5th floor. All died without signs of wounds. Police suggest it might be poison. Doctors are in the process of determining the cause of death.
Information on 6 deceased foreigners:
- Ms. Sherine Chong, age 56 American nationality, Entered-exited Thailand 5 times
- Mr. Hung Dang Van, age 55 American nationality, Entered-exited Thailand 1 time
- Ms. Thi Nguyen Phunng Lan Age 47, Vietnamese nationality, Entered-exited Thailand 17 times
- Mr. Hong Pham Thanh Age 49, Vietnamese nationality, Entered-exited Thailand 1 time
- Mr. Dinh Tran Phu Age 37, Entered-exited Thailand 11 times
- Ms. Thi Nguyen Phuong Age 46, Entered-exited Thailand 3 times
Initially, 4 bodies were found at the dining table and 2 more in the bedroom. Tea and coffee drinks were also found with signs of consumption. No signs of struggle were found at the scene. The police have taken the tour guide, who was the only survivor, to Lumpini Police Station for questioning. The bodies of the deceased will be sent for autopsy at Chulalongkorn Hospital.
This hotel room was left open and was due for check-out today. The luggage was already packed. The police have established two main points of investigation: business-related issues and strange cult activities. The true cause is currently under investigation by the relevant authorities.
The Prime Minister said after talking with the police officers that he had spoken with the Vietnamese ambassador. He stated this incident is not related to robbery or assault, so he is confident that it will not affect tourism, as the country looks to further promote its tourism sector, a key driver of Thailand’s economy.
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