Bangkok:A dramatic hostage situation unfolded under the Yom Ratch Expressway bridge in the Phaya Thai district, where a man, reportedly high on drugs, held his wife and 5-year-old child at knifepoint. The situation was brought under control by the Metropolitan Police Division 1, who managed to separate the victims from the perpetrator without any fatalities.

According to Thai News Agency, the incident involved a Laotian man identified as Mr. Noi, who was reportedly agitated and acting erratically due to drug use and financial stress concerning a return trip to Laos. The police received a report of the man threatening his family under the expressway, prompting officers from the Metropolitan Police Division 1 and Phaya Thai Police Station to surround the area and begin negotiations.

The police attempted to calm Mr. Noi for over 30 minutes, but negotiations initially failed. It was only when Police Major General Worasak Pisitbannakorn arrived at the scene that a breakthrough occurred. Utilizing a moment of distraction, Police Lieutenant Worasak was able to disarm Mr. Noi, allowing officers to safely separate the wife and child. Both victims sustained minor injuries and received first aid at the scene.

The couple, both 35 years old, had traveled from Wat Pathum Wanaram Rajavihara in search of work. They had been staying at Wat Phromwongsaram during the day and with relatives at night. Previous incidents of domestic violence had occurred, with Mrs. Fai, Mr. Noi's wife, having been assaulted in the past. The police plan to conduct a urine test for drug use and further question the family at Phaya Thai Police Station.

Eyewitnesses, including a motorcycle taxi driver and a fruit vendor, reported that the family appeared distressed before the incident, asking for water and attempting to borrow a phone. The fruit vendor confirmed that the knife used in the incident was not obtained from his shop, although the perpetrator had rummaged through his belongings.

Police Major General Worasak, a graduate of the Arintharat Special Forces, emphasized the importance of negotiation in resolving the situation and highlighted the need for a detailed investigation into the events leading up to the hostage crisis.