US State Department speaks out on 6 tourists deaths in Thailand

On the evening of July 16, the US State Department issued a statement saying they "had reports of the deaths of two US citizens in Bangkok," according to CNN .

"We extend our sincere condolences to the families for their loss. We are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to provide consular assistance to these families," US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters.

“Whenever a U.S. citizen dies abroad, it is the responsibility of local authorities to determine the cause of death,” Miller added. “We routinely reach out to local authorities when a U.S. citizen dies, and we certainly do so.”

It is known that on July 16, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a phone call with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa to congratulate him on taking on his new role.

US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller - Photo: ANADOLU

Mr. Miller said he did not know whether the incident was mentioned in the call between US Secretary of State Blinken and his Thai counterpart, which may have taken place before they learned of the deaths of the two Americans in Bangkok.

Earlier, on the afternoon of July 16, 6 people including 4 Vietnamese citizens and 2 Vietnamese-Americans were found dead at the 5-star Grand Hyatt hotel in Bangkok. Thai police are investigating the possibility that the victims were poisoned.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin arrives at the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel to direct the case of 6 Vietnamese people who died in Bangkok, Thailand on July 16 - Photo: REUTERS

According to the Bangkok Post, four of the six Vietnamese who died were Nguyen Thi Phuong Lan (47 years old), Pham Hong Thanh (49 years old), Tran Dinh Phu (37 years old) and Nguyen Thi Phuong (46 years old). The two remaining Vietnamese, who were American citizens, were Chong Sherine (56 years old) and Dang Hung Van (55 years old).

Bangkok Police Chief Thiti Saengsawang said the victims' bodies were discovered by hotel staff in a room on the fifth floor after they were late checking out.

Thai police at the scene of the death of 6 tourists at a hotel. Photo: Bangkok Post

Police said it did not appear to be a robbery, and there were no signs of violence on the bodies. Police also said the victims “did not harm themselves.”

However, Mr. Thiti said cups with white powder stains were found in the room along with untouched food. Therefore, poisoning could not be ruled out. According to Mr. Thiti, one victim tried to crawl to the door but fell.

Thai authorities are searching for a seventh person involved in the hotel booking, who could be a suspect.

KHANH LINH (t/h)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/bo-ngoai-giao-my-len-tieng-vu-6-du-khach-tu-vong-o-thai-lan-204240717112340417.htm