Khon kaen: A young man, reportedly under the influence of drugs, set fire to his own house, causing significant destruction and distress among local residents. The incident has left the community of Ban Don Yang in the Sila Subdistrict, Mueang Khon Kaen District, demanding that the man, known as Mr. Sittichai, be arrested and not released again due to his repeated troublesome behavior.

According to Thai News Agency, firefighters from the Sawang Khon Kaen Samakkhi Uthit Foundation, Khon Kaen City Municipality, and Sila City Municipality collaborated to extinguish the blaze that engulfed Mr. Sittichai’s half-concrete, half-wooden home. The fire, which took approximately thirty minutes to control, resulted in significant damage to the property. Villagers managed to apprehend Mr. Sittichai, along with a bottle of gasoline, which was presented as evidence of his actions.

Neighbors reported that Mr. Sittichai intentionally set his house on fire by dousing it with gasoline, nearly setting ablaze a nearby home in the process. One neighbor recounted hearing two explosions while putting his grandchild to bed, initially mistaking them for firecrackers. Upon investigation, he discovered the house engulfed in flames, which threatened to spread to his own property. The neighbor acted quickly, using a hose to prevent the fire from spreading further.

Mr. Sittichai is notorious in the neighborhood for his erratic and destructive behavior, often attributed to hallucinations. His actions have been a source of distress for the community, with incidents ranging from property destruction to serious assaults on neighbors. Despite previous prosecutions, he has been released, only to continue causing harm. His most recent offense involved an assault on an elderly woman with a knife, leading to injuries.

Residents are now urging the police to take firm legal action against Mr. Sittichai to prevent further disturbances and ensure the safety of the community.