Bangkok: A homeless man, Mr. Chalat Sae Tang, has been charged with attempted murder after reportedly hurling cement blocks at cars on Bangna-Trad Road, causing damage to vehicles and minor injuries to a victim. The incident has raised concerns about public safety and highlighted issues related to homelessness and mental health.

According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred on April 29 at around 3:45 p.m. when a cement block crashed onto a sedan’s windshield near Thai Nakarin Hospital. The alarming event was quickly shared on social media, with images and videos circulating in groups that called for immediate assistance. CCTV footage later revealed a man, identified as Mr. Chalat, throwing cement blocks from a footbridge, damaging multiple vehicles.

Mr. Chalat, who is 45 years old, confessed during police questioning that he had been under stress due to financial difficulties and had consumed alcohol prior to the incident. He admitted to using cement blocks found along the road to vent his frustrations. Despite a history of arrests for drug use and theft, Mr. Chalat claimed that he was not under the influence of drugs at the time of the attack and had never committed similar acts before.

The victim, Ms. Ornsinee, 20, recounted her experience, stating that she was slightly injured by glass shards when the cement block hit her car. She expressed gratitude for the swift action taken by the authorities in apprehending the suspect.

Following his arrest, Mr. Chalat was taken to Bangna Police Station for further investigation. Pol. Lt. Col. Nopphasin Poolsawat emphasized the severity of the case, leading to the attempted murder charge. The suspect is scheduled to appear in Phra Khanong Criminal Court for detention.

Pol. Col. Surapong Sukyam of the Bang Na Metropolitan Police Station provided updates on the investigation, noting that Mr. Chalat underwent questioning for over three hours. Although the suspect showed no signs of psychiatric disorders, authorities are awaiting results from a drug test as part of the investigation process. Mr. Chalat is expected to revisit the crime scene as part of the legal procedures before his court appearance.