Gamer-Turned-Arsonist Blames Mobile Addiction for Bangkok Frenzy

[snoop1130]

 

In a gripping turn of events, Bangkok police have captured Panthap, a 44-year-old man accused of setting ablaze three vehicles, following a chaotic standoff where he wielded a knife at officers. The frenzy unfolded after Panthap, reportedly addicted to the mobile game ROV, took his frustrations out by torching the cars early on 20th October in Phasi Charoen district, prompting an extensive police manhunt.

 

The scuffle began just after daybreak when the blaze engulfed a Mitsubishi Xpander, Toyota Vios, and a Chevrolet Optra at a private parking lot. Although the vehicles, all registered in Bangkok, were destroyed, there were no casualties. Prompted by surveillance and eyewitness accounts, officers identified Panthap as the arson suspect. Equipped with necessary gear, they tracked him down to a nearby residence belonging to his sister.

 

In a tense operation led by Deputy Superintendent Chakraphan Thongsai, Panthap was apprehended following a brief but intense confrontation. Climbing onto the roof to evade capture, he swung a knife at Sergeant Tosaphon Muangkam, causing the officer to fall and get injured slightly. Despite initial resistance, Panthap was subdued using rubber bullets after non-lethal force proved ineffective.

During questioning, Panthap, unemployed and under apparent mental duress, confessed to his actions being spurred by his overpowering game addiction and stress. As the investigation continues, Panthap remains in custody at Bang Khun Thian Police Station facing legal ramifications for the arson and aggressive conduct.

 

This bizarre incident sheds light on the potential dangers of gaming addiction, raising questions about mental health awareness in an increasingly digital world.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-10-21

 

 

[watchcat]

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

During questioning, Panthap, unemployed and under apparent mental duress, confessed to his actions being spurred by his overpowering game addiction and stress.

 

Typical Thai, blame something else for his stupidity....!

In this case unemployment and stress from a stupid video game.

Edited October 21 by watchcat

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

During questioning, Panthap, unemployed and under apparent mental duress, confessed to his actions being spurred by his overpowering game addiction and stress.

Padded cell for you...

[john donson]

i expected a teenage, well this 44 year old's brain is mentally

[BangkokReady]

On 10/21/2024 at 5:38 PM, snoop1130 said:

Panthap was subdued using rubber bullets after non-lethal force proved ineffective.

 

Rubber bullets are non-lethal force.  🙄

[BangkokReady]

On 10/22/2024 at 8:37 AM, john donson said:

i expected a teenage, well this 44 year old's brain is mentally

 

Could be the age that the problems of phone addiction really start to hit home.  It's fine when they're young and feel like they still have opportunity, but once they reach middle age and realise that they've wasted their lives, that's when they're going to start seeing some real consequences.

 

Expect more of this in the future, when the youth of today realise that they've wasted their lives playing with their phones.