Indian man detained in Bangkok for waving gun-shaped lighter, sparks panic

According to the Bangkok Post, the incident occurred around 4 pm on Monday in Siam Square Soi 6, Pathum Wan district.

The man, identified as Sahil Ram Thadani, 41, was charged with threatening behaviour and causing a public disturbance.

Videos circulating on social media showed Thadani walking erratically, yelling, and pointing what appeared to be a firearm at bystanders. He was later seen sitting on the ground as security personnel and police surrounded and restrained him.

Police said the object turned out to be a gun-shaped lighter, not a real weapon. However, the scene triggered alarm among onlookers, prompting a swift response from authorities.

“An Indian national in Bangkok created panic on the streets after he was seen roaming around with a lighter gun intimidating commuters & shouting abuses. The chaos forced the authorities to intervene, and he was eventually detained by the local police. Thankfully, no one was injured during the incident,” read the caption of a widely shared post on X.

Thadani was taken to Pathum Wan Police Station, where investigators believe he may have been hallucinating under the influence of cannabis.

According to a police report, Thadani had previously served as director of three now-defunct companies in India.

Thai authorities are currently reviewing his visa status and investigating whether he has been involved in similar incidents before.