Police will summon an actress for questioning next Monday, after it was discovered that she had bought cyanide from the same lot as that obtained by a serial murder suspect.
The mother of the actress, who was identified police as Preechaya Pongthananikorn, reportedly told the police that the actress bought the cyanide online on April 25th for about 3,000 baht and the chemical was delivered two days later.
She insisted that the cyanide was intended for poisoning reptiles, such as cobras and monitor lizards, in the back yard of their house, adding that some of the reptiles had attacked their dogs.
She said, however, that the cyanide remains in the container and has not been used yet and her daughter is ready to cooperate with the police, adding that the actress may have to postpone her appointment with the police as she is otherwise engaged in work.
Meanwhile, the Industrial Works Department said that cyanide is a Category 3 hazardous substance and, hence, anyone who imports, produces or possesses the substance requires a permit from the department.
Cyanide is also included in Category 4 of hazardous substances by the Ministry of Public Health and is prohibited from importation, possession or mixing with food, medicines and cosmetics. Violators may face up to ten years in prison and/or a 10 million baht fine upon conviction.
Cyanide is mainly used in the steel and plastic industries and in gold mining operations.
The serial murder suspect, Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, is believed to have poisoned 15 victims with cyanide over the course of several years. She has denied all the charges against her and is being detained at the Central Women’s Correctional Institution.
