Sararat “Aem Cyanide” Rangsiwuthaporn was acquitted by the Criminal Court on Wednesday in a case involving the alleged cyanide poisoning of a woman in Nakhon Pathom in August 2020. The court's decision was based on the prosecution's failure to demonstrate that Sararat possessed cyanide or had a financial motive behind the alleged crime. The case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence linking her to the possession or use of the toxin.
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The indictment claimed that Sararat poisoned engineer Nittaya Kaewbuppha by mixing cyanide into her drink between August 22 and 23, 2020, with the intention of financial gain. However, the court concluded that the prosecution did not adequately establish how Sararat obtained or maintained cyanide, nor did they convincingly prove any financial motive. These gaps led to the case's dismissal, adopting a benefit of the doubt approach.
Despite being acquitted, Sararat remains in custody, as the charge is severe enough to warrant a possible death sentence. Defense lawyer Thannicha Eksuwannawat highlighted that the court recognized the lack of evidence regarding when, if ever, Sararat possessed cyanide. Although cleared in this case, Sararat's other legal troubles continue, with potential appeals forthcoming.
Sararat's legal challenges are further compounded by her conviction and death sentence in another cyanide poisoning case concluded in November 2024. Moreover, she received a life sentence last month for murdering a policeman, a sentence initially decided as execution but reduced due to her confession. Sararat, 39, faces accusations of administering cyanide to 14 individuals between 2015 and 2023.
Looking ahead, her lawyer plans to use the court's current reasoning to address 10 additional ongoing cases against Sararat. These cases are divided into those occurring before and after she was found to have purchased cyanide on August 9, 2022. The continued legal proceedings will explore the detailed circumstances and evidence behind each accusation.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Bangkok Post · 11 Mar 2026