2 Americans among 6 found dead in Bangkok hotel rooom

BANGKOK, July 16 - Thai authorities are conducting a thorough investigation following the discovery of six deceased individuals in a luxury hotel room in downtown Bangkok. The bodies were found on Tuesday at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, a prestigious establishment located in the bustling heart of the Thai capital.

The victims, identified as two Vietnamese Americans and four Vietnamese citizens, were discovered by hotel staff after they failed to check out as scheduled. The discovery has raised significant concerns about the possibility of poisoning, although the exact cause of death remains undetermined.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visited the hotel shortly after the bodies were found, emphasizing that the incident did not appear to be related to theft or a random attack. "This tragic event should not deter tourists from visiting Thailand," he assured the public, highlighting the importance of tourism to the nation's economy.

The bodies were discovered in a suite at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, a location well-known for its luxury and prime location near the Erawan Shrine. The victims were found in various states within the room, with five bodies inside and one outside the suite. Initial reports from the police suggested that the victims might have ingested a poisonous substance, potentially through beverages such as coffee or tea.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Gen. Thitiensang stated that there were no signs of a struggle at the scene. "The room was locked from the inside, and the victims appeared to have been preparing to check out, as their belongings were packed," he noted. The police also found room service meals that were untouched, but the beverages had been fully consumed.

Preliminary autopsy results indicated no physical injuries on the bodies, leading investigators to focus on the possibility of poisoning. Symptoms observed included foaming at the mouth, which is consistent with certain types of poisoning. However, further toxicological tests are required to confirm this hypothesis.

Authorities have been questioning a tour guide who was associated with the group of victims. The guide, whose identity has not been disclosed, is being treated as a person of interest in the ongoing investigation.

This incident comes as a shock to both locals and tourists, as Bangkok is not typically associated with mass violence. However, the city has experienced isolated tragic events in the past, such as the deadly bombing at the Erawan Shrine in 2015, which killed 20 people. The Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, situated near this shrine, has been a symbol of luxury and safety until this recent event.

The victims had booked multiple rooms at the hotel under different aliases, with some of them staying on different floors. This detail has added a layer of complexity to the investigation, as police work to piece together the movements and interactions of the deceased prior to their deaths.

Thailand's Foreign Ministry has been cautious in releasing information about the victims, citing the need for a thorough investigation. The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok has confirmed that two of the deceased were American citizens of Vietnamese descent and is cooperating with Thai authorities.

"This is a deeply concerning incident, and we are working closely with local officials to ensure a comprehensive investigation," a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy stated.

The incident has sparked a wave of concern among tourists and locals alike. The Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, known for its high standards of hospitality, has come under scrutiny as authorities delve into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

While the investigation is still in its early stages, the Thai government is keen to reassure the public and international visitors that every effort is being made to uncover the truth behind this tragic event. The Prime Minister's visit to the hotel underscores the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the incident.

As the investigation continues, updates will be provided to keep the public informed. In the meantime, the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel remains operational, with heightened security measures in place to ensure the safety of its guests.