A horrifying incident unfolded yesterday (30 September) when a 21-year-old man set himself on fire at a bus stop before running into traffic along Phahon Yothin Road in Bangkok, Thailand.
The incident happened around 10 AM near the Land Development Department office in Chatuchak, according to the Bangkok Post.
For illustration purposes only
He was carrying a container
CCTV footage captured the man standing behind the bus stop with a container believed to contain petrol, which he poured over himself before setting himself on fire with a lighter.
According to Thai Examiner, the man walked around engulfed in flames, terrifying two female university students and a local man nearby, before sprinting onto the road and collapsing under the Senanikom BTS Station. In the process, he collided with a passing motorcyclist, leaving the rider injured.
Emergency crews arrived within minutes, gave first aid on-site, and rushed him to the hospital for further treatment.
Meanwhile, police confirmed the man is 21 years old but didn’t reveal his identity.
The man is believed to have suffered emotional distress
A 47-year-old security guard who rushed to put out the flames recalled the horrifying moment:
“I saw the fire from across the road and grabbed a fire extinguisher. His whole body was on fire,” he said.
While investigations are still ongoing, early reports suggest the act may have been driven by emotional distress. One witness claimed the man had been in a heated phone argument just before setting himself alight.
His mother later revealed that he had been struggling with relationship problems with his girlfriend in recent days.
You do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone. If you’re feeling distressed, depressed, or suicidal, know that help and support are always available.
Here are some helplines you can reach out to if you’re feeling down or in need of support:
Doctors say the next 48 hours will be crucial, as the young man remains in critical condition and has yet to regain consciousness as of yesterday afternoon.
Also read: 44yo Man Lights Himself & 37yo GF on Fire Near Johor Toll Plaza, Both Now Placed in Induced Coma
