Thai woman charged with cyanide murder as list of victims grows

Thai police have widened their investigation into a woman accused of a spate of cyanide poisoning murders, with officers on Thursday raising the number of victims to 13 and charging her with premeditated murder.

Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, who is married to a senior policeman, was arrested on Tuesday over nine alleged murders which took place over several years.

Police believe money was the motive in the killings but said that Sararat -- who is four months pregnant -- has previously been diagnosed with psychiatric issues.

Officers were now investigating at least 13 suspicious deaths dating back to 2020, deputy national police chief Surachate Hakparn said Thursday.

“She has been charged with premeditated murder,” he told reporters in Bangkok.

Police have not specified how many murders Sararat has been charged with, but they say she denies all the allegations against her.

Police have also expanded the geographic area they are investigating to five provinces, most to the west of Bangkok.

Officers found a substance at the woman’s home that authorities believe to be cyanide, and suspect she poisoned the vic-tims’ food and drink.

Following routine health checks in prison, the Department of Corrections confirmed Thursday that Sararat is four months pregnant and experiencing stress, blurry eyes and headaches. Investigators have interviewed her police officer husband and other witnesses.