Pictures from responders.

 

A furious contractor who claimed he received only a few hundred baht for two years of work has been arrested after allegedly setting fire to a three-storey home in Na Jomtien, Sattahip district, Chonburi.

 

Police Lieutenant Yutthaphon Boonkoet of Na Jomtien Police Station received an emergency call at around 10:30 on 5 April, reporting a case of arson. He rushed to the scene with Police Colonel Phatthana Robru, the district police chief, investigative teams, rescue workers from the Sawang Rojanathammasathan Foundation, and municipal fire services.

 

 

Upon arrival, flames and smoke were seen billowing from the first and second floors of the home, which was part of a connected row of similar properties. Firefighters took over 30 minutes to bring the blaze under control. The fire caused extensive damage to furniture and electrical appliances, particularly on the lower floors.

 

The suspected arsonist, identified as Mr. Sinchai  57, was apprehended at the scene. He had suffered injuries from broken glass and was taken to hospital under police guard.

 

During police questioning, Mr. Sinchai admitted to the arson, citing a long-standing grievance with the homeowner, Ms. Helen. He had been contracted to repair the property and was living in one of the rooms. According to his statement, he received only a few hundred baht for two years of work and was recently denied access to retrieve his belongings.

Mr. Sinchai said he had requested to enter the house to collect his clothes and personal items but was refused. Instead, the homeowner reportedly threw his possessions down from the second floor in plastic bags and cloth sacks. Enraged, he kicked in the front glass door and set fire to the property.

 

Mr. Chaloem 60, a security guard, confirmed that Mr. Sinchai had been involved in a dispute with the homeowner the previous day over unpaid wages. The confrontation had reportedly escalated when Mr. Sinchai came to retrieve his belongings and medication for a chronic illness, only to find the door locked and his possessions thrown outside.

 

In a fit of rage, he smashed the glass door, entered the house, and set fire to the lower level before waiting at the scene for police to arrive, saying he was ready to face imprisonment.

 

Police are currently awaiting forensic reports from Region 2 Scientific Crime Detection Centre in Chonburi to support charges against Mr. Sinchai, who faces prosecution for trespassing and arson.

 

-- 2025-04-06

 

41 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Mr. Sinchai admitted to the arson, citing a long-standing grievance with the homeowner, Ms. Helen

 

he received only a few hundred baht for two years of work

Ms Helen....foreigner 🤔

 

Anyway, these properties are expensive,located on the beach. 

Car park has a few high end cars parked, Porsche's etc. 

 

Old Sinchai did a good job at torching the joint, lots of damage....... Angry guy 

 

If Sinchai is telling the truth that the homeowner hadn't paid him for work done then it's a shame he got caught.