The spokesperson for the Institute of Forensic Science detailed the timeline of detecting cyanide in Natpong's body after toxicology results were confirmed within three days. Initial doubts arose after death because the resuscitation report conflicted with the autopsy record from the day of death. The autopsy report did not mention use of drugs or poisons, but the examining doctors received information from the radio center and resuscitation team alerts indicating the deceased might have been involved in "drug or substance overdose."
On 7 Dec 2025 GMT+7, reporters updated on the death of Mr. Nattawut, known as Natpong Ponglanka, aged 35, a reporter and news anchor for a major channel. They received a summary report from Dr. Sarawut Sujarittam, a forensic specialist and spokesperson for the Institute of Forensic Science; Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Thanakrit Jitareerirat, Secretary to the Minister of Social Development and Human Security; and Associate Professor Dr. Smith Srisonth, President of the Thai Forensic Medicine Association. Toxicology results confirmed that "cyanide" was the poison present in the deceased’s body, with confirmation issued in just three days. Typically, results take one to two months after autopsy. This article explores the timeline and behind-the-scenes coordination that enabled such rapid results.
The report states that initial suspicions arose because the resuscitation report conflicted with the autopsy record on the day of death, which did not indicate use of drugs or poisons. However, examining doctors received alerts from the radio center and resuscitation team notifications suggesting the deceased might have been involved in "drug or substance overdose." Considering the deceased was young, had underlying conditions but showed no related symptoms on the day of death, and the death was sudden, the medical team suspected poisoning from the start. Although media initially suggested death due to natural causes like circulatory failure, toxicology testing requires thorough procedures and time.
The report further states that following the “Am Cyanide” case, the forensic system heightened its vigilance. That case caused significant impact in Thai society. The Thai Forensic Medicine Association and the Royal College of Pathologists of Thailand held multiple discussions, leading to strict screening protocols for toxins including cyanide in suspected deaths. This created a “silent alert system” emphasizing that in unexplained deaths, cyanide poisoning must always be considered as a possible cause. Thus, when this latest case arose, many medical parties immediately entered “maximum alert mode.”
Due to multiple urgent concerns, the Institute of Forensic Science, through Dr. Sarawut Sujarittam, coordinated with Associate Professor Dr. Smith Srisonth, President of the Thai Forensic Medicine Association, to urgently address these doubts. They requested the toxicology laboratories at the Institute and Ramathibodi Hospital to expedite testing, as all evidence pointed more toward "toxicology" than "natural disease" as the cause of death.
Additionally, around the same time, off-the-record information was sent to Dr. Thanakrit Jitareerirat that "a suspicious substance was found at the scene." Although not publicly disclosed, this became a critical point prompting urgent investigation. If the substance was indeed cyanide, it would directly link to the deceased. Dr. Thanakrit assigned Associate Professor Dr. Weerasak Charatchaisri (known as Dr. Moo) to urgently analyze the substance from the scene in the laboratory. Both teams proceeded with parallel investigations, initially unaware of each other's work, but ultimately both confirmed cyanide from the body and the scene. The medical team then concluded that the poison causing death was cyanide for certain, promptly informing investigators and all involved parties to begin legal procedures and evidence gathering without delay. This explains why the case advanced swiftly to ensure maximum justice for the deceased.