An Indian man was arrested in Bangkok for causing panic by threatening people with a gun-shaped lighter. The incident took place on Monday afternoon in front of the Novotel Bangkok hotel, located in the busy Siam Square area. The man, identified as 41-year-old Sahil Ram Thadani, was seen behaving erratically, making loud noises, and pointing the lighter at bystanders, which led to a swift police response.
Witnesses reported that Thadani was initially dancing in the street before he began shouting abuses and threatening passersby. His actions alarmed onlookers, prompting security personnel to intervene. When police arrived, Thadani reportedly refused to comply with their instructions and continued to act aggressively, even threatening the officers.
The object he was brandishing was later confirmed to be a cigarette lighter designed to look like a pistol. Thadani was taken into custody and charged with threatening behaviour and causing a public disturbance. Authorities suspect that his erratic behaviour may have been influenced by hallucinations due to cannabis use.
A police report indicated that Thadani had previously been a director of three companies in India, all of which are now defunct. Investigations are ongoing to determine how long he had been in Thailand and whether he has a history of disruptive behaviour. No injuries were reported during the incident, but it raised concerns about public safety in one of Bangkok's busiest commercial areas.