Songkhla, February 22nd, 2026 – Authorities have apprehended a 56-year-old man accused of severely injuring a two-year-old female Siberian Husky named “Molly” by dousing her in oil and setting her on fire, an act of extreme animal cruelty that sparked widespread outrage among animal lovers across Thailand.
The suspect, identified as Mr. Charoen, also known as “Yao” Khamwun, was taken into custody on an arrest warrant issued by the Songkhla Provincial Court. He faces charges of arson causing property damage and cruelty to animals under Section 217 and Section 358 of the Thai Penal Code, as well as Section 20 of the Prevention of Animal Cruelty and Provision for Animal Welfare Act B.E. 2557 (2014).
According to initial police investigations, the incident occurred in Village No. 8 in Songkhla. The suspect allegedly poured used engine oil on the dog, reportedly after becoming enraged when she entered his chicken coop and injured one of his fighting cocks around 2 a.m., before lighting her on fire with a lit piece of paper, causing flames to engulf the animal.
Molly suffered catastrophic burns across her body, particularly on her back and hindquarters, and despite emergency veterinary treatment at the Animal Hospital of Prince of Songkla University, she sadly succumbed to her injuries several days later, devastating her former owner and the online community that had followed her condition closely.
Following the incident, police conducted thorough scene investigations near a canal in the affected village, collected witness statements, and gathered physical evidence. A raid on the suspect’s residence yielded additional items, including containers believed to have contained the oil used in the attack, which have been seized as evidence to support the case file.
During questioning at Mueang Songkhla Police Station, Mr. Charoen reportedly confessed to committing the act, although claimed it was not unprovoked and due to the dog breaking into his property and injuring one of his own animals. Police are continuing legal proceedings, with further details expected from senior officers, including the Commander of Provincial Police Region 9.
