UDON THANI, THAILAND – A 34-year-old man in northeastern Thailand allegedly set straw ablaze at his father’s buffalo stall while high on methamphetamine and threatened to burn his 59-year-old father alive before police and local volunteers ended the standoff.
Alarm at buffalo stall in Pakho
The incident occurred on 7 March in Village 12 in Pakho subdistrict, Kumphawapi district, after residents reported burning straw next to a buffalo pen. Officers from Kumphawapi Police Station and local defense volunteers were dispatched to the house, which belongs to the suspect’s father.
Suspect on the roof and in hallucinations
According to police, the man, identified only as 34-year-old “Aat”, climbed onto the roof of the buffalo stall after setting the straw on fire. Authorities said he was hallucinating, accusing his father of wanting to kill him and announcing plans to burn him.
Father escapes, fire quickly contained
Police stated that the 59-year-old Nat, the suspect’s father, managed to flee without injury. Firefighters from Pakho municipality extinguished the blaze, which had spread rapidly through the dry straw.
Knives in hand – arrest only after talks
When officers arrived, the suspect remained on the roof and appeared unfazed by the nearby flames. He held two long knives and initially refused to surrender until a defense volunteer who knew him personally persuaded him to put down the weapons.
Attempted escape after climbing down
After finally climbing down, the man attempted to run away, according to police. Officers gave chase and detained him shortly afterward.
Family describes years of fear
The man’s 32-year-old sister said the family had lived in fear for years because of his heavy drug use. She reported that he had been addicted to methamphetamine for seven to eight years, repeatedly arrested and sent for rehabilitation, but continually relapsed.
Ten pills on the day of the fire
On the day of the incident, her brother had taken about ten methamphetamine pills, she said, and began hallucinating in the morning. In the afternoon he became more aggressive, eventually setting the straw on fire and threatening their father after hearing voices that turned him against the family.
Arson complaint and appeal to politicians
The family now planned to pursue legal action and file an arson complaint, hoping that punishment combined with treatment would be effective this time. The sister also called on the government to step up its fight against illegal drugs, saying methamphetamine was available “everywhere” and leaving many young people severely addicted.
“Methamphetamine is everywhere and is making many young people heavily addicted.”
said the sister, urging tougher action from authorities.