Thai police have arrested an Indian national after he allegedly caused panic among pedestrians in Bangkok’s bustling Siam Square area by brandishing a pistol-shaped lighter and shouting incoherently, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
The incident took place outside the Novotel Bangkok Hotel and was captured on video, which quickly went viral on social media. The footage shows the man — later identified as 41-year-old Sahil Ram Thadani — making loud noises and pointing the lighter, which resembled a handgun, toward bystanders, triggering alarm in the crowded area.
Security guards and police officers rushed to the scene and attempted to subdue him. However, Thadani reportedly ignored their instructions and continued to act aggressively, at one point threatening officers with the object in his hand, according to The Bangkok Post.
He was eventually detained and taken to the Pathum Wan police station, where he was charged with threatening behaviour and causing a public disturbance.
Police said Thadani’s erratic behaviour appeared to be linked to hallucinations caused by cannabis ingestion. Further investigation revealed that he was the director of three companies in India, all of which had ceased operations.
