Bangkok: Today, the courtroom at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road was filled with tension as the verdict was scheduled to be announced in the high-profile ‘Am Cyanide’ case, involving the poisoning of Ms. Siriporn Khanwong, known as Koi. In an emotional scene, Koi’s mother expressed her grief and determination for justice, hoping that her daughter’s death would not be in vain.
According to Thai News Agency, the case involves Ms. Sararat, also known as Am Cyanide, who stands accused of premeditated murder, robbery resulting in death, and adulteration of food or medicine causing death. The charges stem from an incident where she allegedly poisoned her friend, Koi, to steal her property. The prosecution, which includes the Office of the Attorney General 5 and Koi’s mother, is seeking 30 million baht in damages from the accused.
In the courtroom, Lawyer Decha Kittiwittayanan highlighted a critical aspect of the defense’s argument, which centers on the absence of eyewitnesses to the poisoning. However,
he pointed out that the first defendant, ‘Am Cyanide,’ chose not to testify, leading the court to rely on the prosecution’s evidence. This evidence, he believes, is strong enough to convict the defendant.
The second defendant, Pol. Lt. Col. Witun, who is Am Cyanide’s ex-husband and a former police officer, argued that there is no concrete evidence linking him to the concealment of crucial evidence. Meanwhile, the third defendant, Ms. Thanicha, or Lawyer Patch, contested the absence of witness testimony regarding the moment the poison was administered. Despite their defenses, Lawyer Decha remains confident in the evidence’s ability to deliver justice.
The court has examined nearly 90 witnesses and conducted 20 rounds of hearings, with forensic and circumstantial evidence from the Royal Thai Police playing a crucial role. While the three defendants continue to deny the charges, the weight of the evidence appears to lean towards a conviction.
As the court reads the verdict, Defendant 1 remains in custody at t
he Central Women’s Correctional Institution, while Defendants 2 and 3 are out on bail set at 100,000 baht each. The case, which first surfaced in the media 19 months and 6 days ago, is the first of 15 related cases to reach a verdict.
The criminal complaint against the defendants was filed on July 18, 2023. The case outlines that on April 14, 2023, Ms. Sararat allegedly poisoned Koi with potassium cyanide during a trip to release fish in Ratchaburi Province. Koi later lost consciousness and died, while Ms. Sararat allegedly took Koi’s property, valued at 154,630 baht.
The defendants continue to deny the charges, maintaining their fight in court. As the verdict looms, the focus remains on delivering justice for Koi and her grieving family.