Arson Attack Sparks Fire at Ubon Ratchathani’s Somdet Phra Yuppharat Hospital

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures from responders. CCTV below.

 

A fire broke out at Somdet Phra Yuppharat Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani, on January 31, after an arson attack, prompting an evacuation of patients and hospital staff.

 

The incident occurred at around 16:20 in Building 3, on the third floor, where the hospital’s ear, nose, and throat ward is located. According to witness reports, a middle-aged man carrying a backpack was seen entering the building. He allegedly ignited and threw a Molotov cocktail into the ward before fleeing the scene.

 

Thick black smoke quickly filled the corridors, causing panic among staff, patients, and medical personnel. Firefighters and rescue teams responded immediately, working alongside hospital staff to evacuate all patients safely. After an intense one-hour effort, emergency crews managed to bring the blaze under control.

 

Security footage confirmed witness accounts, showing the suspect entering the building with an incendiary device. Following an urgent investigation, police have since apprehended a 40-year-old man, Piboon, believed to be responsible for the attack. 

 

During interrogation, the suspect admitted to planning the attack days in advance. He stated that he rented a car on 26 January before travelling to Phibun Mangsahan District to make merit. He later surveyed the hospital premises on multiple occasions before returning on the day of the attack.

On the afternoon of 31 January, he entered Buildings 2 and 3 to assess security before retrieving a gun, petrol, and alcohol from his car. After starting the fire, he reportedly fired a gun at hospital staff who attempted to extinguish the flames. He later discarded the weapon in a nearby field before fleeing the scene.

 

According to Police Colonel Sinchai Nimppunyakamphong, Deputy Commander of Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Police, the suspect fled to Na Yia District, where he crashed his car into several people, injuring three.

 

Investigators believe the suspect was acting out of personal distress. Reports suggest he had been defrauded in a land deal six years ago, losing 3 million baht, which forced him to sell his home and car to repay debts. While not diagnosed with any mental illness, police suspect his actions were an attempt to gain attention.

 

 

Authorities are now assessing the damage to the hospital, believed to be millions of baht and investigating the full motive behind the attack. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, thanks to the swift actions of emergency responders and hospital personnel.

 

-- 2025-02-01

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Man Charged with Arson and Attempted Murder After Hospital Fire in Ubon Ratchathani