House Fire Suspected to Be Started by Drug-Addicted Son: Urine Test Positive for Narcotics

Picture from responders.

A devastating fire engulfed a two-storey house in Photharam district, Ratchaburi province, with authorities suspecting that the homeowner’s drug-addicted son was responsible. Despite a positive drug test, the suspect denies any involvement in the blaze.

The incident occurred at 18:30 on 31 January, when emergency services responded to a house fire in Moo 9, Ban Sing Subdistrict, near Wat Kamphaeng Tai temple. District chief Suphachai Krutdam, along with officers from Photharam Police Station and firefighters from Ban Sing Municipality, rushed to the scene.

Firefighters battled intense flames engulfing the two-storey wooden and concrete home, calling in over 10 fire engines from neighbouring areas to prevent the blaze from spreading to adjacent houses. It took approximately 50 minutes to bring the fire under control, but by then, the house was completely destroyed. A motorcycle parked nearby was also burnt, and a neighbouring house sustained damage to its roof.

The homeowner, 62-year-old Mrs. Chortip, told authorities that she and her husband had left to sell goods at a local temple fair, while their eldest son was out with friends. Only their younger son,  Peeranont, was home alone at the time of the fire.

According to Mrs. Chortip, Peeranont struggles with drug addiction, leading her to believe he intentionally set the house on fire. Neighbours called the couple back after discovering the fire, but by the time they arrived, their home was already reduced to ashes. She urged authorities to arrest her son and force him into rehabilitation, even stating she was willing to accept the use of force if necessary.

Following the fire, Peeranont was found hiding in the darkness near the house, armed with a knife. Police officers attempted to coax him out peacefully, but after prolonged negotiations, he refused to surrender.

Authorities then devised a strategy, instructing firefighters to prepare water jets, while plainclothes officers approached from behind to engage him in conversation. Meanwhile, a tactical unit armed with restraining poles moved in to subdue him. The plan was successfully executed, and Peeranont was taken into custody.

A urine test revealed traces of narcotics, confirming drug use, and he was held in police custody. However, despite suspicions and circumstantial evidence, Peeranont denied any involvement in setting the house on fire.

Police are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of the blaze and whether criminal charges will be filed against him.

-- 2025-02-02