CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – A South Korean man suspected of having a mental illness was detained on the outskirts of Chiang Mai after allegedly setting trash on fire and taking a pickup truck. Authorities, police and the South Korean representation worked together to clarify the background and prepare his return to South Korea.
Escalation in the early morning
According to Chanthira Thatong, head of Village 4 in Ban Mae Kaw in Fa Ham subdistrict, the incident occurred on 25 February 2026 at around 7:00 a.m.. Residents had already reported the previous night that a South Korean man of about 40 had drawn attention to himself in the village and disturbed the community’s peace.
Fire and thick smoke in residential area
In the morning, the man was seen again in the village, wandering aimlessly before setting trash on fire on a vacant lot, causing thick smoke. The fire raised concern in the settlement before local administrative officials and police brought the situation under control.
Stolen pickup and arrest
The man allegedly took a black four-door Nissan pickup belonging to Prasert Diesel garage and drove it around the area. Local administrative offices coordinated with the police, who eventually arrested the South Korean man and recorded the complaint from the vehicle’s owner.
Investigation and legal steps
According to police, he faced potential charges of theft and house trespass involving damage to private property. During the stop he carried no identification documents, could not speak Thai and appeared confused and mentally unstable even when questioned in English.
Consulate brings in family
Authorities contacted the South Korean consulate, which confirmed that the man was known in his home country for a mental illness. Relatives in South Korea had already been looking for him, and through the consulate his family’s travel to Chiang Mai was arranged.
Medical care and next steps
Police took the man for treatment to Suan-Prung Hospital in Chiang Mai, which specializes in psychiatric care. Investigators were now waiting for representatives of the South Korean embassy and family members to settle the details of his return to South Korea.