'Aem Cyanide' Acquitted on Sixth Murder Charge

The Criminal Court has acquitted Sararat 'Aem Cyanide' Rangsiwuthaporn, 39, of her sixth murder charge, ruling that prosecutors failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that she poisoned a close friend with cyanide-laced food in 2015. This acquittal marks the third time she has been cleared of murder charges out of a total of fifteen cases filed against her. Prosecutors had alleged that Sararat killed Monthathip 'Sai' Khao-in to eliminate a debt. The victim, who lived in Canada, had entrusted Sararat with managing her rental properties in Thailand. Sararat reportedly lost over 30 million baht through online gambling. On the day of the alleged crime, Monthathip returned from Canada and met with Sararat and other friends. They had a meal together before going to the victim's condominium, where she later died. However, the autopsy report indicated heart failure or an underlying medical condition as the cause of death, with the examining physician unable to confirm cyanide poisoning. The court found uncertainties in the prosecution's evidence and no direct evidence or witness testimony proving Sararat administered cyanide. Adhering to the principle that criminal convictions require proof beyond reasonable doubt, the court granted the benefit of doubt to the defendant. Sararat has previously faced judgments in five other murder cases, receiving one death sentence, two life imprisonment sentences, and two acquittals. In total, fifteen cases have been filed against her: fourteen for murder and one for attempted murder. Her alleged involvement in a series of cyanide-related deaths garnered widespread public attention. She was arrested in April 2023 while pregnant and later miscarried.