Pattaya, Thailand – At 2:30 AM on June 10, 2025, police received a report that a man who set fire to a rented room had been apprehended by residents in Soi Buakhao 15. Lieutenant Colonel Alis Puangwai, Deputy Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, immediately led a team to investigate.
At the scene, locals and a security guard had detained the suspect, identified as Mr. Boonmee Phubpaen, alias Thong, 35 years old. He appeared disheveled, with blood on his face and a dazed demeanor, sitting in an abandoned rented room resembling a small shop. The room was littered with burnt debris, including a sofa, wooden scraps, mats, and clothing, all completely destroyed. Inside the bathroom, police found drug paraphernalia, including foil used for methamphetamine consumption, and a single knife, which were collected as evidence.
Mr. Boonmee confessed to police that he previously rented out mats to tourists on Pattaya Beach but lost his livelihood after city officials confiscated his mats during an enforcement operation. Unable to earn money or borrow from others, he turned to methamphetamine to cope with stress. In a drug-induced frenzy, he set fire to the sofa, wood scraps, and clothes to vent his frustration.
Mr. Somjai Kaikrathok, a 53-year-old security guard, explained the incident to The Pattaya News team. While on duty, he noticed a burning smell and thick smoke coming from the room. Rushing to investigate, he found flames raging inside. Good Samaritans nearby assisted, using fire extinguishers and water to douse the blaze. After extinguishing the fire, they discovered Mr. Boonmee hiding in the bathroom, allegedly using drugs, and restrained him before alerting the authorities.
Police have detained Mr. Boonmee for drug testing and are awaiting the room’s owner to press charges for damages. Legal proceedings will follow accordingly.
