In a shocking incident, six individuals, including two US citizens, were discovered dead inside a luxurious hotel room at the Grand Hyatt Erawan in central Bangkok. Thai police suspect that the victims consumed cyanide-laced tea and coffee, following a dispute related to failed investments.

The hotel staff made the gruesome discovery on Tuesday when the guests failed to check out within the designated time frame. Upon entering the fifth-floor suite, they found untouched food wrapped in plastic and used cups containing traces of a white powder. Though the room was locked from the inside, a backdoor was found unlocked.

Initially, authorities were searching for a seventh person who was part of the hotel booking. However, during a press conference on Wednesday, the police dismissed the possibility and believe that one of the deceased poisoned the others using cyanide. Among the victims, there were two Vietnamese Americans and four Vietnamese nationals, including a married couple aged between 37 and 56.

Chief of the Police Forensic Office, Trairong Phiewphan, revealed that cyanide was detected in mugs and cups inside the hotel room. Additionally, one of the blood samples collected from a deceased man also showed traces of the deadly chemical. Images released by the Royal Thai Police displayed cups placed on a coffee table alongside two metal thermos flasks, and a dining table with plates of food, indicating that the victims were preparing to have a meal.

The police are now investigating whether the deaths were the result of murder or suicide, with the current lean towards foul play. Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Noppasin Poonsawat informed reporters that it is believed one member of the group may have poisoned the others. He mentioned that this person looked stressed when the hotel staff arrived, and it was revealed from hotel interviews that this individual was alone when the food was delivered and was later joined by the other guests.

Authorities have stated that the incident appears to be linked to a "personal matter" rather than organized crime, as the relatives of the deceased indicated a dispute over debt. According to Noppasin, one of the relatives revealed that one of the deceased worked as an investment agent, and all of them had invested their money, but the business did not go as expected. The group had arranged a meeting in Thailand to discuss this matter.

Two of the deceased individuals were found in the bedroom, one at the dining table, and it is believed that one person attempted to reach the door but collapsed before doing so. The group had arrived in Thailand on different dates and had originally booked separate rooms at the hotel. However, on July 15, they moved into the same room and ordered room service, which was delivered around 2 p.m. No movement in or out of the suite was reported after 2:17 p.m.

The Grand Hyatt hotel, where the tragic deaths occurred, is situated in a vibrant tourist area in the heart of Bangkok, surrounded by luxury shopping malls and restaurants. In close proximity to the hotel is the Erawan shrine, a renowned landmark visited by Buddhist, Hindu, and Sikh communities along with tourists. It was previously targeted in a bombing incident in 2015.

The US State Department has been made aware of the deaths of two US citizens in Bangkok, while Vietnam's government announced that its embassy in Thailand is closely coordinating with Thai authorities. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed condolences to the families and assured them of their support, stating that they are monitoring the situation and ready to provide consular assistance.

It is important to note that this incident bears some resemblance to a separate cyanide poisoning case in Thailand last year, where a Thai woman was charged with multiple counts of premeditated murder. The details of that case shocked the country.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the tragic incident at the Grand Hyatt Erawan, unraveling the truth behind the dispute over investments and the possibility of someone deliberately poisoning the others with cyanide.