Woman with mental health issues carries out random arson attack on a bank

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A woman believed to be mentally ill is suspected to be behind a recent fire at a bank in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The police found her at her home, where she threatened to start another fire. The woman's family asserts she is mentally ill and an arrest warrant is being issued.

 

The woman was captured on surveillance footage setting a Nakhon Si Thammarat bank on fire at 10:21 am on June 26. The video shows the woman riding a red motorcycle, with a helmet on, and carrying a blue petrol container. She parked near an ATM and seemed to be using it, then proceeded to pour petrol at the bank’s entrance and set it on fire.

 

Police Colonel Chanyuth Ruangdit, head of the Chawang District Police Station, provided case updates, reporting that their investigation led to the identification of the suspected arsonist as 48-year-old Amornsuk. Upon following her escape route via CCTV footage, police and patrol officers went to her home.

 

 

At Amornsuk’s locked home, the officers faced threats from inside. Concerned for safety, the officers retreated and later sought local administrative officials’ assist. The suspect’s relatives confirmed that Amornsuk has had a mental disorder for several years, a fact known by the local community.

 

Chanyuth says the arson seems to be a result of Amornsuk’s mental health issues. No evidence indicates that she had a personal issue with the bank or was a customer. However, witnesses reported seeing her buy petrol from a nearby gas station worth 250 baht which she used in the arson attack. Police are collecting evidence to secure an arrest warrant from the Thung Song Provincial Court. They will also confirm the family’s claims about her mental illness through further investigation.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-06-27

 

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