A woman in Thailand has been sentenced to death in the first of a series of cases in which she is accused of murdering 14 friends with cyanide.
The Bangkok court found Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 36, guilty of putting poison in a wealthy friend's food and drinks while they were traveling last year.
The friend's relatives refused to admit she died of natural causes, and an autopsy found traces of cyanide in her body. Police arrested Sararat and discovered other similar deaths dating back to 2015. One person they allegedly targeted survived.
Police say Sararat, nicknamed Am Cyanide by Thai media, was addicted to gambling and targeted friends she owed money to, then stole their jewelry and valuables.
Sararat traveled with her friend Siriporn Khanwong, 32, to Ratchaburi province, west of Bangkok, in April 2023, where they participated in a Buddhist protection ritual by a river, said the police.
Siriporn collapsed and died after a meal with Sararat, who made no effort to help her, investigators said.
Traces of cyanide were found in Siriporn's body and her phone, money and bags were missing when she was found, police said.
“You have got justice, my child. Today there is justice in this world,” Siriporn's mother, Thongpin Kiatchanasiri, said outside the courtroom, holding a photo of her daughter.
Thongpin said that out of anger, she could not bear to look at Sararat, who she said was smiling when the sentence was read. Sararat has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her.
Her estranged husband, a former police officer, and her lawyer were sentenced to prison terms of one year, four months and two years, respectively, for hiding evidence to help her escape prosecution. They also pleaded not guilty before sentencing Wednesday.
The ex-husband, Vitoon Rangsiwuthaporn, turned himself in last year. Police said he most likely helped Sararat poison an ex-boyfriend, Suthisak Poonkwan.
Sararat was also ordered to pay Siriporn's family two million baht ($57,667; £45,446) in compensation.
Cyanide deprives the body's cells of oxygen, which can cause heart attacks. Early symptoms include dizziness, shortness of breath and vomiting.
It can lead to lung damage, coma, and death within seconds when consumed in large quantities, but even small doses can still be very harmful.
Its use in Thailand is heavily regulated and those who access it without authorization risk two years in prison.
