Bang kruai: Relatives have seized the body of Nattawut Ponglangka, a prominent journalist, amid growing suspicions surrounding the circumstances of his death. Reports highlight that an autopsy conducted by the Institute of Forensic Medicine detected cyanide in his blood and stomach contents.
According to Thai News Agency, Nattawut Ponglangka, a renowned news anchor for a well-known channel, was found dead at his home in the Bang Kruai area of Nonthaburi Province. His body was initially taken for autopsy and later moved to a temple in Nonthaburi for funeral rites scheduled for December 1-2. However, the funeral rites have now been relocated to Wat Rim Kok in Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province, from December 3-5, with the cremation ceremony planned for December 6.
The case took a dramatic turn following a social media post by Colonel Thanakrit Jit-areerat, Secretary to the Minister of Social Development and Human Security, which urged to delay cremation due to suspicions surrounding the death. This development was further echoed by Mr. Phut Apiwan, a notable show host, who stated that Nattawut's parents had consented to withhold the body for further investigation following the release of preliminary autopsy results.
Further investigations, as reported by journalists, have suggested a potential link between Nattawut's death and cyanide poisoning. The presence of cyanide powder in the body has prompted authorities and the deceased's family to await official autopsy results. Preliminary findings from the autopsy and subsequent investigations revealed cyanide in the journalist's stomach and blood, alongside a packet labeled as cough syrup found in his room. Upon examination, the powder was identified as cyanide, prompting an ongoing investigation into its source.