Man Arrested for Setting Fire to Ex-Wife’s Car in Phuket

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

Police in Phuket have arrested a man accused of deliberately setting fire to his ex-wife’s car outside her home, claiming he acted in a fit of rage after failing to come to terms with their separation.

Investigators said Mr “Yak”, 49, was detained on 2 September under a warrant issued by Phuket Provincial Court. He is accused of torching a red Mazda 2 belonging to his former wife, Ms “Pa”, 49, in front of her house in Wichit, Mueang Phuket district, on 1 September.

CCTV footage showed a man in shorts, a transparent raincoat and a motorcycle helmet approaching the parked car, pouring petrol over it and setting it alight before fleeing on a motorbike. The vehicle was damaged in the blaze.

Ms Pa told police she recognised the suspect as her ex-husband, from whom she separated more than two months ago. Officers from Wichit Police Station later arrested Mr Yak at his home and seized the motorbike used in the crime.

During questioning, the suspect admitted to the arson, saying he acted on impulse because he was still unable to accept the breakup. He claimed it was a moment of uncontrollable anger and expressed remorse for his actions.

Police said he had already disposed of the clothing and helmet used during the attack. He has been charged with arson of another person’s property and was taken to participate in a crime re-enactment as part of the investigation.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-09-04