Man, 28, Torches Motorcycle and Tries to Burn House in Sri Saket
A 28-year-old man with a history of drug addiction and recent prison release went on a violent rampage in Sri Saket, burning a motorcycle and attempting to set a house on fire. Four police officers and local residents were needed to subdue him, and he was taken to hospital for psychiatric evaluation. His family has been urged to press charges due to ongoing safety concerns.
At 4:30 a.m. on November 15, 2026, a disturbing incident occurred in Soi Sri Sumang 12, Moo 12, Tambon Mueang Tai, Mueang District, Sri Saket Province. Muang Sri Saket Police Station received a 191 radio center report that a 28-year-old man was acting erratically, had burned a motorcycle, and was trying to set fire to a rooming house. Officers responded to control the situation.
At the scene they found Mr. Phichit Chai (surname withheld), 28, in a state of severe agitation actively destroying property. Four police officers attempted to restrain him but could not easily apprehend him due to his violent resistance. Officers then coordinated with nearby villagers to help subdue him before coordinating with Sri Saket Hospital to send staff to administer sedatives until he calmed down.
Questioning of Ms. A (pseudonym), a relative of the offender, revealed that around 2:00 a.m. Mr. Phichit Chai had already suffered a psychotic episode and set fire to a motorcycle, destroying it completely. Police had checked once earlier but did not locate him.
Around 4:00 a.m. he returned to the house and demanded 100 baht from his grandfather. The grandfather said he would give the money only after receiving the motorcycle key. Once he got the key, the grandfather gave 40 baht, but the man was unsatisfied. He then flew into a rage, smashing belongings inside the house, siphoning gasoline from the motorcycle, pouring it over the bike and the kitchen area, and setting it alight. Household members had to help extinguish the flames while calling the police.
The relative also disclosed that Mr. Phichit Chai has a history of drug addiction and has been in and out of prison about 3-4 times for drug and theft offenses. Most recently he served roughly two years for theft before being released in April. His behavior has caused ongoing fear for the family, who want authorities to pursue legal action seriously because they worry he will return and cause further trouble and property damage.
Initially, officers took Mr. Phichit Chai to Sri Saket Hospital for medical evaluation and monitoring, while advising the family to file a formal complaint with investigators at Muang Sri Saket Police Station to gather evidence and proceed with legal action.
