In a shocking revelation, Thai police have disclosed that the six American and Vietnamese guests found dead at an upscale Bangkok hotel were killed using cyanide. Traces of the lethal chemical were discovered during autopsies and on various objects within the room at the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel where the bodies were found.

According to Deputy Police Chief Noppasin Punsawat, relatives of the victims revealed that a dispute had erupted among the group over a financial investment. A husband and wife who were among the deceased had invested a substantial amount, approximately $278,000 (10 million baht), alongside two others to establish a hospital in Japan. It is believed the group had convened at the hotel to resolve the conflict.

Authorities have confirmed that one member of the group poisoned the others, but the identity of the suspect is yet to be revealed. The victims have been named as Chong Sherine, Dang Hung Van, Nguyen Thi Phuong Lan, Pham Hong Thanh, Tran Dinh Phu, and Nguyen Thi Phuong, with two of them holding US passports.

The incident unfolded on Monday when the group entered the hotel room. Security footage shows one of the women receiving a room service delivery shortly before the others arrived. The discovery was made by a hotel maid who became alarmed when the guests failed to check out on time.

Bangkok Police Chief Lt. Gen. Thiti Sangsawang detailed that four bodies were found in the living room, while two were located in the bedroom. Two individuals appeared to have attempted an escape but collapsed before reaching the door. Law enforcement officials have ruled out the possibility of a mass suicide as the group had arranged future aspects of their trip, including guides and drivers.

During the initial autopsies conducted at Chulalongkorn Hospital, traces of cyanide were detected, leading to the inference that all six victims died from its effects. Further tests will be conducted, with results expected to be available on Friday.

The source of the cyanide and how it was obtained remain under investigation by authorities. In the meantime, authorities have determined that a seventh person, whose name was included in the hotel booking, had left Thailand on July 10 and is believed to have no connection to the deaths. The Vietnamese and US embassies have been notified, and the FBI is on its way to offer assistance in the investigation, stated Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

The United States State Department has expressed condolences to the bereaved families, assuring them of close monitoring of the situation and cooperation with local authorities.

This mysterious and tragic incident has shocked both the local and international community, raising questions about the motives and circumstances surrounding these untimely deaths in a luxurious Bangkok hotel.