Intoxicated man burns BMW

PHUKET: A drunk man allegedly poured a gallon of gasoline onto a BMW and set it on fire early yesterday morning, officials confirmed.

The Kathu Municipality Fire Department rushed to put out the blaze at the entrance to Irawadee Kejho village.

“Locals reported the fire to the station at about 3am, after which firefighters arrived at the scene and put out the blaze within 20 minutes,” said Capt Wattanatorn Bumrungtin of the police station.

Capt Wattanatorn said the driver of the BMW, Nattapong Na Pattalung, 30, parked the car in front of a motorbike repair shop and had a loud argument with a woman inside, before exiting the shop and setting the vehicle ablaze.

Capt Wattanatorn stated that Mr Nattapong was under the influence of alcohol and was taken to the Kathu police station to calm down. The vehicle he set alight reportedly belonged to an acquaintance who is currently in prison.

“We will perform drug tests and question the original owner of the car. We have yet to question the shop owner about her relationship with Mr Nattapong,” Capt Wattanatorn said.

Lt Chaowalit Petchsripia of the Kathu Police also mentioned that the BMW had numerous violations and complaints over illegal parking.

— Winai Sarot