Nonthaburi: Residents in Nonthaburi are on edge as a mentally ill man, identified as Mr. Muslim, 33, has caused alarm after a series of public disturbances near local schools. The man, reportedly off his psychiatric medication and under the influence of drugs, wielded a knife and shouted insults in front of Pracharath Bamrung School in the Bang Bua Thong District, prompting concerns for student safety. Police are actively searching for him, as he continues to evade capture.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Chawanakorn Yokinmisjinja, known locally as "Village Headwoman Deh," was alerted to the situation by a parent who recorded the incident. Ms. Yokinmisjinja confirmed that Mr. Muslim, experiencing a psychotic episode, moved from the initial school to a nearby co-educational institution, continuing his disruptive behavior and challenging local officials. This has led to heightened fears among teachers, parents, and community members.
In a recent development, police from Bang Bua Thong Police Station surrounded Soi Benchato following a tip-off that Mr. Muslim was hiding there. However, Mr. Muslim managed to evade capture by fleeing on a motorcycle, leading officers on a chase before he escaped towards Buathong Keha housing estate. The pursuit was complicated by the need to ensure the safety of other road users.
Authorities later visited Mr. Muslim's home in Soi Wakaf, Pimonrat Subdistrict, where they spoke with his mother, Ms. A (pseudonym), who expressed her distress over her son's actions. She revealed that Mr. Muslim had stopped taking his prescribed medication and had been using drugs, leading to his erratic behavior. His mother, who was injured in a confrontation with him, is urging authorities to apprehend him swiftly for his and the community's safety.
In response to the incidents, the Governor of Nonthaburi Province and the District Chief of Bang Bua Thong have mandated increased surveillance in all seven sub-districts, particularly around schools and other high-risk areas. They are also coordinating efforts to gather information to ensure Mr. Muslim is apprehended and receives necessary medical treatment promptly.