BANGKOK — Thai Police have intensified investigation into the case of 6 foreign bodies found in a luxury Bangkok hotel, querying the possibility of a 7th person.
Following the shocking incident in central Bangkok where 6 foreigners were found dead in a 5th-floor room of a luxury hotel near Ratchaprasong area on Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin held a press conference along with high-ranking police officers.
These included Police General Torsak Sukvimol, National Police Chief; Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, Metropolitan Police Bureau Commander; and Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwphan, Central Forensic Science Division Commander.
The Prime Minister stated that this was an unexpected incident. Initial investigations revealed that hotel staff discovered 6 bodies – 4 Vietnamese nationals and 2 American nationals – at 4.30 p.m. on July 16. It’s estimated they had been deceased for 24 hours.
At the scene, there were no signs of robbery or assault. Authorities initially suspect that the six individuals consumed something, and there might be a seventh Vietnamese person who hasn’t been located yet. The PM has discussed and provided information to the Vietnamese embassy.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Thiti said the room was due for check-out at noon. When staff attempted to clean the 5th-floor room in the afternoon, they couldn’t enter. Realizing the guests hadn’t checked out, hotel staff opened the room and discovered the deceased. They then notified management and Lumpini Police Station. At 5 p.m., investigation teams and forensic officers inspected the scene.
Current information shows 6 deceased: 4 in the living area and 2 in the bedroom, 3 males and 3 females. They didn’t check in together. One group arrived on July 13, occupying 4 rooms on the 7th floor. Another group arrived on July 14, staying in 1 room on the 5th floor. In total, 5 rooms were booked for 7 people, with 5 checking in, but 6 bodies were found. Immigration police confirmed data for 5 individuals but found 6 bodies.
The 4 rooms on the 7th floor were due to check out on July 15 at noon. Their bags were moved to the 5th-floor room. The hotel reported no payment was made.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Thiti added that in the living room, 6 plates of untouched single-dish Thai meals were found. There were also 6 cups of what appeared to be mixed drinks – 5 on a tray and 1 on a table, with residue. Forensics have collected all items.
All drinks were consumed. In the bathroom, they found a tea container resembling Oolong tea, one bottle of electrolyte drink, and one water bottle, all opened.
Two suspicious stainless steel objects, not belonging to the hotel, were found at the scene.
Investigators believe the six died after 1:53 p.m. on July 15. No clear wounds were found, and belongings were undisturbed. When housekeeping checked, the door was locked from inside and had to be opened from a back entrance.
Currently, Metropolitan Police and Immigration Police agree on these investigation directions:
- Verify if the 7th person actually entered the country.
- Gather all details about the 6 individuals through embassies and their registered social media.
- If there’s no 7th person, begin investigating possible motives.
Furthermore, the investigation team has coordinated with the embassy to examine all luggage in the room, looking for any potential evidence or clues that might indicate who was involved. This is to determine whether all individuals harmed themselves or if someone else was responsible for their deaths.
Currently, based on photographs, the fingernails and toenails of the deceased appear darkened, but this could be due to the bodies being deceased for approximately 24 hours. The autopsies will be conducted at Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross.
The Central Forensic Science Division will examine all details at the scene, including fingerprints and blood traces. Additionally, a toxicology expert team has been called in to investigate.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Thiti stated that the police have not yet concluded whether the victims were drugged. They need to verify if there is a seventh person. Forensic evidence will provide answers, along with connecting other pieces of evidence. If everything aligns, they’ll be able to determine the cause.
“We’re currently searching for the seventh person because the numbers don’t match the check-in records. If they came together, there should be travel information, seat numbers, and airline details. We need to verify if this person actually entered the country. We’ve asked the embassy to check the occupations of the deceased and their purpose for traveling to Thailand. We’re also questioning the staff who served food to see if they noticed anything unusual,” said Pol. Lt. Gen. Thiti.
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Related article: Shocking: 6 Foreign Bodies Found in Bangkok Downtown Luxury Hotel
