Man With Mental Illness Burns Home, Family Left Homeless
A 35-year-old man with mental illness caused by drug addiction set fire to his family home in Loei Province on August 20, leaving his 65-year-old mother homeless; he was arrested and faces arson charges.
Loei Province — On August 20, the Security Division of Phu Luang District in Loei Province responded to a house fire in Nong Khan subdistrict. District Chief Akkadet Netsuwan ordered personnel and community volunteers to investigate and provide immediate assistance.
The single-story concrete house, measuring approximately 8 by 12 meters, was already ablaze when local firefighters arrived. It took more than an hour to contain the fire. The wooden roof structure and glass windows were destroyed by the heat, and all contents inside—electrical appliances, clothing, and important documents—were burned beyond recovery. The house is now uninhabitable.
Investigators found evidence that valuables had been gathered in the center of the house before it was set alight. Fortunately, no one was injured or killed.
The homeowner, Suan, 65, explained that she lives with her son, a 35-year-old man (name withheld), who suffers from psychiatric illness caused by years of drug addiction. He receives medication and regular treatment from health officials.
Around noon on the day of the fire, her son became agitated and began destroying household items. Fearing for her safety, Suan fled to a relative's house. At 3 p.m., neighbors called to report the fire. When she returned, the house was engulfed in flames.
Neighbors and community volunteers noted that the son has a long history of drug use and recently began showing signs of hearing voices, talking to himself, and having frequent violent episodes. Before the fire, he had argued with his mother, locked himself in a room, and then set the house ablaze.
Phu Luang Police took the man into custody at the scene. His initial statements were incoherent, so officers transported him to the hospital for drug screening and psychiatric evaluation. He faces charges of arson and will be prosecuted under the law.
District Deputy Chief Abhichat Chanthawon coordinated with village elders and local administration to provide emergency food supplies and temporary shelter for Suan. They are preparing to accept donations and will expedite government assistance procedures. The incident highlights the devastating impact of drug addiction on families and communities.
