Thai cops probe woman suspected to have killed 13 with cyanide

Thai police have arrested a woman suspected of killing 13 people using pills laced with cyanide, saying they will widen a probe into a series of deaths that have gripped the nation.

Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 36, was charged with the premeditated murder of one victim, while the other deaths were still under investigation, police said. She has denied wrongdoing.

“This case is a premeditated murder,” national police chief Damrongsak Kittipraphat said yesterday, referring to a victim with whom Sararat had been travelling, whose family had raised suspicions with authorities.

Families of other people who died and had links to Sararat have also come forward, suggesting those deaths were also suspicious, according to local media. Sararat was taken into custody on Wednesday.

“We have evidence to link her to the (cyanide),” police colonel Anek Thaosuparp said separately, adding that she may have had access to the substance through a store run by her older sister.

Police said those who died were known to Sararat and her motive may have been financial, according to broadcaster ThaiPBS.

They added that one woman survived Sararat’s poisoning attempt and was now being questioned.

- Reuters