Drug-Intoxicated Man Sets His Own House on Fire, Blaze Spreads to Neighbour’s Home

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

A 59-year-old man, reportedly under the influence of methamphetamine, has been arrested after deliberately setting fire to his own home, which then spread to a neighbouring house, destroying both.

Emergency services received reports of a house fire at approximately 17:20 on 7 May, in Ban Nong Krathum, Mueang District, and quickly deployed fire engines from the Nong Krathum Subdistrict Administrative Organisation and Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly an hour before bringing it under control.

The fire began at House No. 533, Moo 1, and engulfed two adjoining semi-concrete, semi-wooden houses. Both were completely destroyed.

Police from Muang Nakhon Ratchasima Station arrested the suspect, Mr. Phattarakorn Taewjorhor, 59, who was identified as the owner of the house where the fire began. Officers reported that Mr. Phattarakorn was incoherent and highly agitated, appearing to be under the influence of drugs.

Local witnesses told investigators that Mr. Phattarakorn was a former monk who had been defrocked after being caught using methamphetamine. Since returning home, he reportedly continued abusing drugs regularly and had become increasingly erratic and violent.

On the evening of 7 May, while in an apparent drug-induced psychosis, Mr. Phattarakorn dragged a cooking gas cylinder out of his kitchen, released gas, and intentionally ignited it, setting fire to his own home. The flames rapidly spread to the adjacent property, resulting in its complete destruction as well.

Authorities detained Mr. Phattarakorn for questioning, though he remained incoherent. A urine drug test revealed a positive result for methamphetamine, turning purple in the standard screening. He now faces multiple charges, including arson, property damage, and illegal drug use.

No injuries were reported, but residents in the area remain shaken by the incident, which highlights the ongoing dangers posed by drug abuse in the community.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-09.