Man sets family’s truck on fire near Pattaya amid drug frenzy

A 28 year old man in the Takhian Tia area near Pattaya set his family’s pickup truck ablaze and wreaked havoc in their home, reportedly under the influence of illegal drugs, before fleeing the scene. The incident unfolded around 10pm, yesterday, November 11, prompting an urgent response from Bang Lamung police and local rescue teams.

Upon arrival, law enforcement and emergency responders found locals banding together to battle the flames engulfing a grey Isuzu pickup truck, though their efforts were ultimately in vain as the vehicle was completely consumed by fire.

The blaze also damaged parts of the house, including the walls, a fan, and several household items. The perpetrator, who is the son of the homeowner, had vanished by the time police arrived, leaving behind a community of neighbours visibly upset by the incident.

The suspect’s mother, 48 year old Supawadee, shared her distress over her son’s actions, mentioning her disbelief at his descent into drug addiction and resultant aggression. She described him as her cherished child and never anticipated such a violent turn.

Earlier in the day, her son had been obsessively searching for a rare coin, the significance of which remained unclear to the family. His inability to locate the coin triggered a violent outburst, during which he threatened the lives of his parents, wife, and child. Unable to endure his behaviour any longer, Supawadee decided to report the matter to the police.

While at the station, Supawadee received the alarming news that her son had doused the family’s truck with gasoline and set it alight. She pressed charges, urging the police to apprehend her son in hopes that he would receive the necessary treatment for his addiction.

A subsequent search of the residence led to the discovery of a loaded .38 calibre revolver concealed in a bag, along with another disassembled firearm and various rounds of ammunition. These items were confiscated as evidence.

Supawadee informed the police that her son was armed with another weapon when he escaped and implored them to apprehend him swiftly, fearing he could endanger others or commit additional offences, reported The Pattaya News.

Despite her plea for his arrest, she also requested that the police exercise restraint, attributing his actions to his drug addiction and expressing her hope for him to enter rehabilitation.