Man With Knife Triggers Market Evacuation in Mae Sot
A 25-year-old Myanmar national wielding a knife forced the evacuation of Pa Charoen Fresh Market in Mae Sot early September 8 before police cornered and arrested him without injury.
At 5 a.m. on September 8, Mae Sot Police Radio Control 191 in Tak Province received reports of a man displaying signs of mental disturbance brandishing a short, pointed knife outside a convenience store near Pa Charoen Fresh Market. Officers arrived to find the man, identified as Yak, 25, a Myanmar national, appearing psychotic and holding the knife. When two motorcycle patrol officers tried to negotiate his surrender, he charged at them with the blade, forcing them to retreat and call for backup.
More than 10 police officers responded. As Yak saw the reinforcements, he panicked and ran into Pa Charoen Fresh Market, with police in pursuit. Market vendors fled in fear as Yak ran through wielding the knife and shouting loudly. He then exited and ran into a nearby side street, where police sealed off escape routes. Exhausted and seeing no way out, Yak eventually abandoned the knife in nearby grass, sat down on the road, and submitted to police custody without further resistance. No one was injured.
After his arrest, Yak claimed: "I want to be a good person, but society won't give me a chance." He was taken to Mae Sot Police Station for questioning. Initial investigation revealed he is a Myanmar national living as a homeless wanderer staying in temples. Local residents call him Yak because of his giant-like facial features. He has a history of carrying a knife and causing disturbances at the market multiple times, making him a known public danger. Police tested him for drug use and proceeded with legal action.
