Former Drag Racer Sets Multiple Fires in Home, Mother Seeks Help
A 35-year-old former drag racer set multiple fires inside his Ayutthaya home on September 18, claiming he was burning garbage; his mother appealed for authorities to arrange psychiatric care after family members abandoned the home due to hi
At 10:30 a.m. on September 18, 2569, Ayutthaya City Police received a report of a 35-year-old man setting fires inside his home in Ayutthaya district, raising fears of a major blaze. Police coordinated with municipal disaster-prevention staff and rescue workers from the Phuttaisawan Foundation to investigate. The man, identified as Beer, was found inside a gated house wearing only shorts, with scattered belongings and signs of fire damage. After about 20 minutes of persuasion, he emerged speaking incoherently, denying any intent to burn the house but claiming he was burning garbage.
Municipal worker Kritsakorn Triwatnoi said firefighters detected smoke and a burning smell, then stood ready to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring homes. He noted the man lives alone and that similar incidents have occurred before. Neighbors reported smelling smoke early in the morning and seeing smoke from his house before alerting authorities. They expressed concern about their safety should a major fire break out.
The man's mother later arrived at the house and disclosed that her son now lives alone because family members fear living with him due to his inability to control his emotions. She explained that he was once a competitive drag racer known as Beer Rong Taep and had been involved in the motorcycle racing scene around 2003, but his life changed afterward and he left racing. She said she had taken him for treatment in the past but he did not continue care after returning home. She appealed to authorities to assess his condition and establish appropriate care measures to prevent further incidents and protect both her son and the community.
Police initially detained the man at Ayutthaya City Police Station for questioning and further legal proceedings.
Drag bike racing is a form of motorcycle competition held on a straight track or designated course where riders accelerate from the starting line and race based on acceleration and speed to achieve the best time over a set distance—a format distinct from circuit racing or closed-course competitions.
