BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thai authorities are investigating the mysterious deaths of six foreign nationals discovered in a room at the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel on Tuesday. The victims, all of Vietnamese descent, included two individuals holding U.S. passports. They had checked into the upscale hotel separately over the weekend, according to police official Thiti Saengsawang.
The group, consisting of three men and three women, had initially booked different rooms but were later found together in one room. Police reported no signs of a struggle at the scene. “This was not self-harm; someone caused these deaths,” Thiti stated, adding that authorities are searching for a seventh individual linked to the group. “We are retracing their steps from the moment they landed.”
Hotel staff alerted the police at approximately 5:30 p.m. (1030 GMT) after discovering the bodies. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visited the hotel with senior police officials later that evening, emphasizing the need for a swift and thorough investigation to mitigate any negative impact on tourism. “The prime minister has instructed all agencies to act urgently,” a government statement read.
The U.S. and Vietnamese embassies in Bangkok have yet to comment on the incident. The Grand Hyatt Erawan, a prominent hotel in a bustling tourist district known for luxury shopping and dining, also did not respond to inquiries.
Tourism is a vital component of Thailand’s economy, with the government anticipating 35 million foreign visitors this year, following 28 million arrivals in 2023. The sector faced a significant setback last October when a shooting at a nearby luxury mall resulted in the deaths of two foreigners, prompting enhanced security measures.
In an effort to attract more tourists, the Thai government has introduced extended visa stays and waivers for several nationalities. The recent incident at the Grand Hyatt Erawan has cast a shadow over these efforts, raising concerns about safety and security in the popular tourist destination.