Pictures courtesy of Amarin

A woman believed to be suffering from mental illness was arrested after chasing and assaulting members of the public, including foreign tourists, on a pavement in the Nana area of Bangkok, leaving two people injured. The incident occurred late at night on Friday, 16 January, on Sukhumvit Soi 5 in the Watthana district. The injured foreign nationals sustained minor injuries and declined medical treatment, according to police.

Witnesses reported that the woman was carrying a knife and behaving aggressively towards pedestrians in the busy Sukhumvit area. Some foreign tourists were forced to jump over railings to get off the pavement, to avoid being attacked. The situation escalated when the woman attempted to open the door of a taxi, prompting motorcycle taxi riders and bystanders to warn the driver to exit the vehicle and contact nearby police officers.

Police from Lumpini Police Station arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. The woman was taken into custody without further injuries being reported. Officers confirmed that two foreign nationals suffered minor injuries during the incident, but neither wished to pursue legal action.

Investigations revealed that the same woman had previously caused disturbances on a public bus in the Thonglor area. On that occasion, she reportedly argued with a bus conductor and was found to be carrying a weapon before being ordered off the vehicle. No physical injuries were reported in the earlier incident.

A local motorcycle taxi rider said the woman had been seen in the area for some time. He stated that she often spoke aggressively to people and appeared short-tempered, but had never previously been involved in violent acts. Residents and workers in the area said the incident had heightened concerns about public safety.

The case has also drawn attention to the presence of homeless individuals with apparent mental health issues in the Nana area. Locals said some individuals regularly display disruptive behaviour, causing distress to residents and foreign tourists. They called on relevant authorities to step in, assess the situation and arrange appropriate care to prevent further incidents and protect Bangkok’s tourism image.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Phairat Kamlee, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation at Lumpini Police Station, said the suspect was initially charged with assault. He confirmed that she was transferred to Somdet Chao Phraya Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.

If doctors determine that she has a mental illness, she will remain under medical care until her condition improves, after which police will coordinate further legal proceedings. Amarin reported that authorities said the case remains under investigation, with police monitoring the woman’s medical assessment before deciding on the next legal steps.

Key Takeaways

• A knife-wielding woman injured two foreign nationals on Sukhumvit Soi 5 on 16 January.

• Police charged her with assault and sent her for psychiatric evaluation at Somdet Chao Phraya Hospital.

• The injured victims suffered minor wounds and declined medical treatment or legal action.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Amarin 2026-01-19

 

 

Another nut-job..

Is she even Thai? Looks like an Arab or Indian. Either way they should have bashed her head in once she pulled the knife.

This seems like people with mental illnesses is getting worse in Thailand causing problems in attacking people especially foreigners

Previous incident she pulls knife in a bus.

https://x.com/JustMikeMcKay/status/2012766618284167667

1 hour ago, NorthernRyland said:

Is she even Thai? Looks like an Arab or Indian. Either way they should have bashed her head in once she pulled the knife.

Does it matter what her nationality is?

Kangaroo loose in the paddock !!

2 hours ago, KireB said:

Does it matter what her nationality is?

it doesn't just curious. The real question is, why does it matter to you that I asked the question?

This is the second one in the area this week. Authorities should really step up efforts to weed out the crazies, homeless, beggars, drug dealers, and other unwanted.

Just another one of your everyday psycho Thai female who explodes when she does'nt get her own way!

I liked the way the crowd lept into action though, the motorcycle taxi drivers leading the charge. You wouldn't see that most other places

5 hours ago, shackleton said:

This seems like people with mental illnesses is getting worse in Thailand causing problems in attacking people especially foreigners

thanks, and I agree. Reference Google 19/1/2026

Thailand faces a significant mental health crisis, marked by rising rates of stress, depression, anxiety, and suicide, particularly among youth, driven by rapid socio-economic changes, debt, and stigma, with common issues including anxiety disorders, depression, and burnout, though gaps exist in accessing care, especially for marginalized groups like LGBTQI+ and migrant workers. The government is responding with awareness campaigns and digital tools, but challenges persist, including a shortage of mental health professionals and cultural barriers to seeking help. 

1 hour ago, PingRoundTheWorld said:

This is the second one in the area this week. Authorities should really step up efforts to weed out the crazies, homeless, beggars, drug dealers, and other unwanted.

Well if they did that, the streets would be deserted... :)

1 hour ago, PingRoundTheWorld said:

This is the second one in the area this week. Authorities should really step up efforts to weed out the crazies, homeless, beggars, drug dealers, and other unwanted.

...with emphasis on the 'weed out'.

6 hours ago, simon43 said:

Well if they did that, the streets would be deserted... :)

Not even Nana compares to your average English high street ;)

Sorry to read about your predicament and fate by the way. I don't think I could go back to the UK to live. Even the culture shock of 3 days family visit is too much. I'd head for some southern European country. But then again I have an EU passport.

The only English town I'd even consider if I had to would be Brighton.

Whacked out on ya baa.

Is that Cameroni's missus looking for revenge ? 😲