In a shocking incident at Bangkok's upscale Grand Hyatt Erawan, six individuals, including two U.S. citizens, were discovered dead on Tuesday. The discovery, made around 4 p.m. local time, has sparked suspicions of foul play, though initial investigations have yet to pinpoint a clear cause of death.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, addressing reporters at the hotel, confirmed that all the deceased were of Vietnamese descent, with two holding U.S. citizenship and the remaining four Vietnamese citizenship. The authorities believe they may have perished since Monday, emphasizing that there were no immediate signs of theft or physical assault. Instead, the focus has shifted to the possibility of the victims ingesting a harmful substance.
Lt. Gen. Thiti Sangsawang, Bangkok's Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner, stressed that while foul play is suspected, there's no conclusive evidence yet to label it as poisoning. He hinted at the unsettling possibility that the group may have been deliberately targeted, indicating a deeper motive behind their tragic deaths.
Angelina Hue, speaking on behalf of Hyatt's Asia-Pacific division, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and assured cooperation with local authorities. Safety remains their top priority, she affirmed, echoing the sentiments of concern and vigilance in light of the ongoing investigation.
The response from both the Vietnamese and U.S. governments has been swift. The Vietnamese Foreign Ministry, through Ambassador Pham Viet Hung, has been actively collaborating with Thai officials to ascertain the facts, identify the victims, and ensure necessary measures for citizen protection. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department has acknowledged the deaths of its citizens in Bangkok, pledging readiness to provide consular assistance while deferring to Thai authorities for further details.
Evidence from the scene, captured in photos, reveals a room where uneaten room service food and partially consumed beverages were found. Most of the meal remained untouched, covered in plastic wrap, while the drinks appeared to have been finished, leaving residue in the cups—a crucial detail being analyzed as potential evidence.
Regarding the scene itself, the room was reportedly locked from the inside, indicating no forced entry. The discovery came after the group failed to check out as scheduled, prompting a hotel staffer to enter through an alternate door and uncover the grim scene. The bodies were distributed between a living area and a bedroom, suggesting they had occupied multiple rooms across different floors during their stay.
Interestingly, the group had rearranged their belongings into a single room, suggesting familiarity among them—a detail that adds a layer of complexity to the investigation. Compounding the mystery, the hotel noted outstanding payments for their accommodation, raising questions about their financial circumstances.
Authorities are meticulously examining everything from table settings and personal items left behind to security footage and social media profiles of the deceased. These efforts are aimed at piecing together the events leading up to their deaths, amidst growing public interest and speculation surrounding the case.
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