CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – A South Korean man was detained in a northern Thai village after he allegedly set rubbish on fire and stole a pickup truck before being taken into police custody, officials said.
Alleged rampage in Chiang Mai village
Local officials in Ban Mae Kaw in Fa Ham subdistrict reported that the incident occurred at about 07:00 on 25 February 2026. The village is located in Mueang Chiang Mai district in northern Thailand.
According to accounts from residents, a South Korean man, believed to be in his 40s, had already caused a disturbance in the community the previous night. He later returned to the village and was seen wandering through the area before starting a fire.
Villagers said the man set fire to rubbish on a vacant plot of land, producing thick smoke that alarmed people nearby. No injuries were reported, but the blaze prompted calls to local authorities.
Pickup truck stolen and driven around area
Officials stated that the man then allegedly took a black four-door Nissan pickup truck belonging to the Prasert Diesel shop. He was reported to have driven the vehicle around the surrounding area.
Local administrative officials coordinated with police to respond to the incident. Officers later arrested the man and took formal complaints from the owner of the vehicle.
Police said the suspect faced charges of theft and trespassing causing damage to private property. The vehicle was recovered after his arrest.
Suspect showed signs of mental instability
Officials reported that the man carried no identification documents at the time of his arrest. He was also unable to speak Thai, complicating communication with local authorities.
When questioned in English, the man appeared incoherent and displayed indications of mental instability, according to officials. His behaviour during the incident and subsequent questioning raised concerns about his mental health.
Authorities contacted the South Korean consulate, which checked his background. Consular officials confirmed that the man had a documented history of mental illness.
Relatives in South Korea had reportedly been searching for him before the incident. After being informed, family members coordinated with consular staff and travelled to Thailand.
Hospitalisation and plans for repatriation
Police arranged for the man to be admitted to Suan Prung Hospital in Chiang Mai for treatment. The medical facility serves as a psychiatric hospital for the region.
Officers said they were awaiting officials from the South Korean embassy and the man’s relatives to complete arrangements for his return to South Korea. Legal proceedings related to the theft and trespassing charges were expected to take his mental condition into account.
Authorities did not report further damage beyond the rubbish fire and the temporary loss of the pickup truck. No statement was issued by the vehicle’s owner beyond the complaint filed with police.