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

Followers

February 1, 20251 yr

UPDATE

Picture of arrest and from responders.

A man has been charged on 1 February, with three serious offences, including arson and attempted murder, following a fire at Somdet Phra Yupharat Det Udom Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani on the evening of 31 January.

The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Phiboon, was arrested shortly after allegedly throwing a petrol bomb inside the hospital’s three-storey building, which houses the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) ward. The fire prompted an urgent evacuation of patients and took firefighters over an hour to bring under control.

Phiboon claimed that his actions were motivated by anger over a land dispute six years ago, in which he lost between two to three million baht. He stated that his attack was not directed at the hospital itself and that he had never been treated there before.

Ubon Ratchathani Governor, Lieutenant Colonel Adisak Noisuwan, arrived at the scene to oversee emergency efforts. Initial assessments confirmed that some medical equipment was damaged, and four hospital staff suffered minor injuries. However, all patients were safely evacuated.

Authorities, including local police, border patrol units, village chiefs, and volunteers, mobilised over 100 personnel to assist in relocating patients, clearing debris, and preparing nearby hospitals to receive emergency transfers. Officials have also begun planning the hospital’s restoration to ensure it can resume full operations as soon as possible.

Forensic teams have now started examining the site to collect evidence for further future prosecution.

Meanwhile, Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Police Deputy Commander, Police Colonel Sinchai Nimpuñgkampong, confirmed that Phiboon faces three charges: arson, attempted murder, and firearms offences. The suspect has reportedly confessed to all charges and will be taken to court for legal proceedings.