Suspected Thai serial poisoner now faces at least 13 murder charges

() — A pregnant Thai woman, who was arrested on suspicion of murdering her friend with cyanide, she was charged with at least 13 counts of premeditated murder, police confirmed.

Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn was initially arrested last week for the alleged murder of Siriporn Kanwong, National Police Deputy Commissioner General Surachate Hakparn told .

Police have requested arrest warrants in 14 suspected murder cases involving Sararat, with 13 approved by the court so far and one still pending, Surachate said at a news conference on Wednesday.

In the potentially linked cases currently being investigated by police, all of the victims ate or drank with Sararat before they died. The 14 dead, as well as one survivor, were poisoned with cyanide, Surachate said.

Sararat, who was taken into custody last week, denied the accusations, National Police Chief General Damrongsak Kittiprapas added at the same press conference.

Police are also investigating Sararat’s partner, Witoon Rangsiwuthaporn, a senior police officer who held the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Earlier this week, Witoon was fired from his job as a local deputy police chief. He also faces charges of fraud and embezzlement related to the alleged murders, Surachate confirmed.

The couple are “divorced on paper” but have been in a relationship, Surachate said, adding that Witoon has denied any knowledge of the killings.

Police have also confirmed that Sararat is pregnant.

Surachate told on Thursday that Witoon was willing to work with investigators and will visit his fellow prisoner later that day.

“Let’s see how much he can do or if he’s really sincere,” Surachate said.

Police believe the murders may have had a financial motive, as the victims allegedly lent Sararat money in the lead up to her death, and as a result, investigators looked into their transactions and debts.

Consumer debt is a massive problem in Thailand, accounting for nearly 90% of the country’s GDP as of 2022, according to the Bank of Thailand.

The investigation of so many murders has paralyzed Thailand with local media providing daily updates.

Serial murders are relatively rare, and the vast majority of perpetrators of such crimes are men.

In the United States, the FBI defines serial murder as two or more murders separated by a period of time.

Less than 1% of homicides for a year since they are committed by serial killers, says the FBI.