Korean man arrested over fire and truck theft

2026-02-26 - 10:43

CHIANG MAI — 26 February 2026, A South Korean man allegedly went on a rampage in a village in northern Thailand, setting fire to rubbish and stealing a pickup truck before being detained by police, local officials said. Chanthira Thatong, head of Village 4 in Ban Mae Kaw, Fa Ham subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai district, said the incident occurred at about 07:00 on 25 February 2026. Villagers reported that a South Korean man, believed to be in his 40s, had caused a disturbance in the community the previous night. He later returned and was seen wandering around the village before setting fire to rubbish on a vacant plot of land, creating thick smoke. The man also allegedly stole a black four-door Nissan pickup truck belonging to Prasert Diesel shop and drove it around the area. Local administrative officials coordinated with police, who arrested the man and recorded complaints from the vehicle’s owner. He faces charges of theft and trespassing causing damage to private property. Officials said the man carried no identification documents and was unable to speak Thai. Questioned in English, he appeared incoherent and showed signs of mental instability. Authorities contacted the South Korean consulate, which confirmed that the man has a history of mental illness. Relatives in South Korea had reportedly been searching for him. The consulate coordinated with his family, who have since travelled to Thailand. Police have admitted the man to Suan Prung Hospital in Chiang Mai for treatment and are awaiting officials from the South Korean embassy and his relatives to arrange his return to South Korea.