Swedish man runs amok on Phuket’s main road

Police and rescue services were called to Phuket’s main arterial north-south road where a 57 year old Swedish man was running around the road and darting in front of traffic.

Police speculate that, as his visa was running out, he may been on a suicide mission. They’ve also revealed that he is mentally unstable.

Daily News reports that Thalang police, tourist police and staff from a local rescue foundation managed to grab him on Thepkasattri road (Saladaeng area) before he was hit by traffic. The incident happened around 2.20 am yesterday morning (Sunday).

Pol Col Theerawat Liamsuwan reported that the man had to be subdued before being taken to Thalang Hospital for examination. He was later transferred to Vachira Phuket.

Vachira Phuket director Dr Chalermpong Sukhonthaphon said that the man was “suffering from mental illness”.

His visa was expiring on Sunday so the appropriate authorities in Thailand and the Swedish embassy had been contacted as the man needed in-patient treatment for his mental condition before he could be relocated or leave the country.

Daily News reports that the man is on a suicide watch at the hospital amid fears he will try to take his life.

SOURCE: Daily News