Crime Grandson in Mental Health Crisis Takes Bedridden Grandfather Hostage in Khon Kaen

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Panic gripped a community in Ban Phai district of Khon Kaen province on 13 May, after a 30-year-old man in the midst of a psychiatric crisis took his bedridden grandfather hostage, holding him at knifepoint for over half an hour.

 

At around 11:00, the Ban Phai Police Station’s 191 emergency centre received a distress call from residents of Sumnamai Community, Soi 3, Mittraphap Road. Locals reported that a man had taken an elderly relative hostage inside a private residence.

 

Police chief Colonel Prachayamas Chaisura responded swiftly to the scene with a team comprising investigators, suppression officers and local administrative officials.

 

Upon arrival, officers found Mr. Sornchai 30, armed with a 10cm knife, straddling his 70-year-old grandfather, Mr. Hiew, who is a bedridden patient. Witnesses described the situation as tense, with Mr. Sornchai threatening to stab the elderly man while appearing detached from reality.

 

Despite repeated pleas from officers and neighbours, Mr. Sornchai remained unresponsive, murmuring that he missed his mother, who works in another province.

 

Police and community members spent over 30 minutes calmly negotiating with the suspect, offering him water and attempting to soothe him. Eventually, Mr. Sornchai calmed down, surrendered the knife, and allowed officers to safely take him into custody.

 

He was promptly transferred to Ban Phai Hospital for psychiatric evaluation and treatment.

 

Colonel Prachayamas confirmed that the suspect has a history of mental illness and is believed to have suffered a breakdown due to the combined effects of stress and possible medication non-compliance. Mr. Sornchai reportedly works in floral design and had recently been overwhelmed with a high workload.

 

Authorities are continuing to assess his mental health and are reviewing measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

 

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and Mr. Hiew is safe and receiving care.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-14.