Alcohol dispute in Sisaket led to arson attack and fatal house fire
A manhunt is underway for a suspect who allegedly doused three people with gasoline before setting fire to a house, killing a bedridden individual and severely injuring two others. This heinous act follows a denied request for alcohol.
Police are hunting for Khamphan Wannathong, following a fatal arson attack at a house in Khun Han District, Sisaket. The tragic incident resulted in the death of 59 year old Pajon Potipan, who was bedridden and unable to escape the flames. House owners, 64 year old Somyot Nhotun and her husband, In Duangjai, sustained severe injuries.
According to initial investigations, the suspect, 59 year old Khamphan who lived at a temple approximately 200 metres from the scene, fled after committing the crime. The arson attack occurred after a violent altercation over a request for alcohol.
The head of Khun Han Police Station, Colonel Pruet Boonpok, reported that on the night of the incident, the suspect had visited the victims’ home to ask for alcohol. After being refused, a heated argument ensued, prompting Khamphan to leave the premises.
In a state of blind rage, he later returned with a plastic bottle filled with petrol and sprayed gasoline on the bedridden Pajon and the house owners before igniting the fire, setting a blaze which had spread to engulf the entire house.
Sisaket police are currently gathering evidence to secure an arrest warrant for Khamphan. Police believe they will apprehend the suspect soon, as he is reportedly seeking refuge with relatives and has expressed intentions to surrender.
Medical records from Khun Han Hospital indicate that Khamphan has no history of psychiatric treatment and is not listed as mentally unstable in the police database.
The police have charged Khamphan with intentional homicide, arson, and assault. The investigation is ongoing and law enforcement is working tirelessly to apply pressure to expedite his surrender, reported Khaosod.
