Man arrested for setting fire to sugarcane field in Buriram
A 53 year old man has been arrested for setting fire to a sugarcane field in the Mueang district of Buriram province, causing damage to over 30 rai with losses estimated in hundreds of thousands of baht. He claims alcohol and stress from a marital dispute impaired his judgment.
Police Colonel Chamras Siriliang, along with other officers, apprehended Sombat yesterday, February 3. The incident reportedly occurred late that morning and involved Sombat using a lighter to ignite the field in the Thalung Lek subdistrict.
The local fire department acted swiftly to control the blaze, preventing it from spreading further into agricultural lands.
During questioning, Sombat, who appeared intoxicated, admitted to the act. He confessed that following an argument with his wife, he consumed alcohol with friends, leading to his impaired state.
Despite not intending to cause widespread damage, he cited his intoxication and personal stress as reasons for his actions, not foreseeing the fire’s extensive impact.
Investigators charged Sombat with arson and violating provincial orders which prohibit burning to mitigate PM 2.5 pollution.
Since these regulations were enacted, police have detained 13 people for similar offences across various districts, including Pakham, Prakhon Chai, Lam Plai Mat, Nong Ki, Ban Dan, Lahan Sai, Ban Kruat, Nang Rong, and Chum Saeng, reported KhaoSod.
In similar news, a Thai man allegedly set fire to a hospital in Ubon Ratchathani’s Isaan province, reportedly due to stress after losing 3 million baht in a real estate scam six years ago.
The blaze caused 100 million baht in damages to the hospital. The fire broke out on the third floor of the third building of Det Udom Royal Crown Prince Hospital on the afternoon of Friday, January 31.
Medical staff swiftly evacuated patients, ensuring their safety, but the situation remained chaotic. Firefighters battled the flames for over an hour before bringing the blaze under control.
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