Picture from responders.

 

A man believed to be suffering from mental health issues caused a fire at a prominent school in Samut Prakan after setting office documents ablaze.

 

The incident occurred at 15:30 on 30 December 2024 at a school in the Pak Nam subdistrict of Mueang district, Samut Prakan. Police officers from Mueang Samut Prakan Police Station, along with fire engines from the municipal fire department and emergency responders, were dispatched to the scene following a report of a fire on the school premises.

 

At the scene, smoke was seen billowing from the third building, specifically the Policy and Planning Office. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, which had spread to a pile of paper on the floor. Damage was reported to papers, desks, chairs, and a glass door in the office.

 

Security guards and a janitor detained the suspect, identified as Mr. Somphon, a 61-year-old resident of Si Sa Ket. He exhibited signs of mental instability and had sustained burn injuries. First aid was administered at the scene before he was taken to the hospital under police supervision.

 

Mr. Natthawit, a 31-year-old janitor at the school, also sustained minor injuries from stepping on broken glass but declined to be taken to the hospital. He recounted that he had been alerted by a security guard about an intruder on the school grounds. Upon arriving, he saw smoke and rushed to extinguish the fire, discovering Mr. Somphon lying near the flames. The suspect had reportedly entered the premises while the school was closed for the holidays, bypassing the security guard post.

 

Initial investigations revealed that Mr. Somphon was not associated with the school. Authorities are working to determine whether the suspect has a genuine psychiatric condition. If a mental illness is confirmed, he will be referred for treatment. However, if no such condition is found, legal proceedings will be initiated against him.

 

Police have documented the incident and are continuing their investigation.

 

-- 2024-12-31

 

 

Seems he was not happy about his grades !