Man Detained After Throwing  Firecracker at School, Claims Son Was Bullied

Picture of arrest.

A 40-year-old man has been taken into custody by police after causing a disturbance outside a primary school in Phatthalung province. The incident occurred when the man allegedly fired a firecracker at the school, claiming it was a response to his son being bullied.

Police officers, led by Sub-Lieutenant Kamnueng Chai Phet, responded to reports of chaos at the school in Khao Chaiak sub-district. Witnesses described hearing sounds resembling gunfire, prompting immediate police intervention.

Upon arrival, authorities seized a cannabis pipe, a short knife, and a quantity of cannabis from the man’s sidecar motorcycle, a Honda Wave 110. The man was identified as a local resident from Khok Chaiyai sub-district.

In initial questioning, the suspect claimed he did not fire a gun but only set off a firecracker, which produced a loud noise similar to gunfire. He explained that his actions were motivated by his 10-year-old son, who had returned home from school complaining that classmates were teasing him about his father’s alleged drug addiction.

The man expressed frustration over the bullying, stating he wanted to make a point about the accusations. He admitted to smoking cannabis but denied any involvement with methamphetamine, insisting he was not experiencing any hallucinations as suggested.

However, police records revealed that the man has a history of erratic behavior linked to drug use, having previously been detained for similar incidents in his former residence in Baan Khae Daeng before moving to Khok Chaiyai with his family.

Following the incident, the police transported the man to Phatthalung Hospital for a drug screening and treatment. If the school decides to file a formal complaint, charges for disturbing the peace will be pursued against him.

-- 2025-02-20