Drug-Crazed Son Sets House Ablaze in Suicide Attempt

Picture courtesy of CH7

A dramatic rescue unfolded in the Phako sub-district of Kumphawapi District, Udon Thani Province, after a man under the influence of narcotics set his family home on fire in a bid to take his own life.

The incident occurred in the early hours of 24 April, when Kumphawapi Police Station’s communications centre received an urgent call from the 191 emergency line reporting that a man was threatening to burn himself alive inside his house in Ban Mueat Ae village, dangerously close to the local subdistrict municipality office.

Officers responding to the scene found the house engulfed in flames and the suspect, a 45-year-old man identified only as Mr. Ek, locked inside and in a state of violent delusion. He reportedly warned neighbours and emergency responders to stay away, further escalating the danger as the fire threatened to spread to nearby homes.

Police Colonel Wichan Suthampeng, superintendent of Kumphawapi Police Station, personally led the emergency response team, including local patrol units and investigators. Despite the high risk, Colonel Wichan successfully negotiated with the man, eventually persuading him to leave the burning structure just moments before it became fully engulfed.

Firefighters from the Phako municipal fire service were then able to extinguish the blaze, which had already destroyed much of the house’s interior, including clothing, bedding, and furniture. No injuries were reported, but the incident left nearby residents shaken.

Mr. Ek was immediately taken into custody and transferred to Kumphawapi Hospital, where he received a sedative to calm his condition. At the time of arrest, he was reported to be incoherent and highly agitated.

Though legal proceedings are pending, the man’s parents have expressed their wish for medical treatment rather than prosecution, asking authorities to help their son recover from drug addiction.

  Adapted by Asean Now from CH7 2025-04-25.