Thai Court Sentences Woman to Death in Serial Murder Case #

In a gripping case that captured national attention, a Thai court has sentenced Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn to death for the fatal poisoning of at least a dozen people. Sararat, a gambling addict, had resorted to murder and robbery to repay her debts, creating a chilling narrative of serial crime.

Sararat’s criminal activities were brought into focus following the cyanide poisoning of her friend last year, leading to the theft of property valued at over $4,400. Her arrest came in May, linked to the suspicious death of Siriporn Khanwong, which prompted a broader investigation into numerous unsolved cyanide poisonings.

CCTV footage had captured the two women together shortly before Siriporn fainted and died, with an autopsy later revealing cyanide traces. This substance appeared consistently among victims linked with Sararat.

Notably, another woman, who suffered a similar fate in 2020, came forward accusing Sararat of poisoning her. This accuser remained silent initially due to fear related to Sararat’s former marriage to a senior police officer.

During her trial, Sararat refrained from testifying. The court found her guilty of multiple charges, including premeditated murder, robbery causing death, and spiking food or beverages with intent to kill. Besides the death penalty, she was ordered to compensate for stolen items.

Siriporn’s family reacted emotionally upon hearing the sentence. Sararat, on the other hand, maintained composure, interacting with her legal representation during proceedings.

The court also sentenced Sararat’s lawyer and her ex-husband for their roles in concealing evidence. Witoon Rangsiwuthaporn, her ex-husband, received a one-year and four-month sentence, while Thanicha Eksuwanwat, her lawyer, was sentenced to two years. Both were granted bail pending appeal.

Despite the verdict, Sararat plans to challenge the conviction, asserting her innocence. In a broader effort to secure justice, the national police agency plans to present more murder cases against Sararat to the prosecutor.

In a historical context, Thailand resumed using the death penalty in 2018 after a long hiatus, although no executions have occurred since that year.