Overview of the Case
Sararat “Aem” Rangsiwuthaporn, dubbed “Aem Cyanide” by netizens, is suspected of murdering 14 people using cyanide. The police investigation into her financial activities uncovered a possible motive: a serious gambling addiction. A staggering 78 million baht ($2.3 million) passed through her bank accounts, with some funds transferred to proxy accounts set up to receive cash transfers from gamblers.
Gambling-Related Financial Troubles
It appears that Sararat’s gambling habit may have pushed her to commit these crimes. On one occasion, she lost nearly one million baht ($30,000) to gambling. Subsequently, her friends and relatives noted that she often seemed to be in dire need of money.
Police also found that her supposed victims had transferred large sums to Sararat’s account before their untimely deaths. This suggests that she may have used the funds to fuel her gambling addiction.
Cyanide Source Under Investigation
The police have not yet determined the source of the cyanide used in the murders. However, they have narrowed down the list of potential suppliers to around ten. They have ruled out the possibility of Sararat’s late boyfriend, Sutthisak “Dae” Phoonkhwan, as the cyanide supplier.
Investigators are now focusing on one of Sararat’s aides, who they believe may have been involved in the killings.
Forensic Analysis of Evidence
The deputy national police chief, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, reported that over 400 items collected from various crime scenes linked to Sararat are being examined by the police’s forensic team. They are receiving assistance from Weerachai Phutdhawong, an associate professor of chemistry at Kasetsart University. The results of this analysis will be included in the police’s final report.
The Arrest and Victims
Sararat was arrested on April 25th while four months pregnant. Her arrest followed a complaint filed by the family of one of her victims, Siriporn “Koy” Khanwong. Siriporn, 32, of Kanchanaburi, died on the banks of Mae Klong River in Ban Pong district of Ratchaburi after she had just released fish for merit-making with Sararat.
Ongoing Investigation
The case is still under investigation, and the authorities are working to uncover further details about the murders, the cyanide source, and the potential involvement of Sararat’s aides.
