Police have charged the son of a gas shop owner with the serious offense of "arson of property buildings" after a dispute with his mother over money. When she refused to give him funds, he set fire to their house, which then spread to the Khaosai Municipality Market, destroying 10 shops with damages exceeding 50 million baht.
At around 10:30 a.m. on 4 January 2026, a fire broke out at the Khaosai Municipality Market, a two-story row of shops in Khaosai Subdistrict, Thap Khlo District, Phichit Province. About 20 fire trucks from Khaosai Municipality and nearby areas battled the intense blaze, which burned for about two hours before being controlled. The fire damaged nine shops, causing approximately 50 million baht in losses. The fire originated at house number 158, village 10, Khaosai, a gas stove shop owned by Mrs. Wanna Siripanich, 62. Neighbors reported that before the fire, Mrs. Wanna had argued with her son, Yutthana “Kung” Lertsuwan, 36, who reportedly has a history of drug abuse and incarceration. He had asked her for money, which she refused, after which he threatened to burn the house. The fire then spread to neighboring homes. Locals notified police, who arrested Yutthana for questioning at Thap Khlo Police Station as a suspect. Police forensic teams are investigating the cause of the fire, as previously reported.
At 10:00 a.m. on 5 January 2026, investigators from Thap Khlo Police Station in Phichit, together with forensic police, conducted a detailed on-site examination to gather evidence.
Mrs. Thanida Siriprapa, owner of two shops damaged by the fire, said she hopes government agencies will provide initial assistance, including housing and financial support for business reinvestment, as the fire has left her nearly destitute.
Mrs. Niwes Chanmuang, Mayor of Khaosai Subdistrict Municipality, stated that initial relief aid for victims will follow regulations, with compensation up to 230,000 baht per person. The municipality is also inviting donations to assist fire victims via Krung Thai Bank account number 6120355758, under the name of Mr. Amnat Sriudom and Mrs. Sumitra Totrakun Wisit and Mrs. Somkhwan Chalermsap, representatives of the victims. For more information, contact Mrs. Niwes Chanmuang, Mayor of Khaosai Subdistrict Municipality, at 085-054-8677.
Police Major General Songpon Sangkasem, Commander of Phichit Provincial Police, disclosed that investigators have charged the suspect with arson of property buildings, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition belonging to others without permission, and methamphetamine use, all violating the law.
Phichit Governor Thaniya Naipinit visited the victims to offer encouragement and delivered survival kits. She told the affected residents that authorities are committed to eradicating illegal drugs from Phichit.
Police Colonel Pheemporn Muangsri, Chief of Thap Khlo Police Station, said regarding the case of Yutthana, the suspect in the Khaosai market arson, that the suspect is currently detained at Thap Khlo Police Station under the authority allowing 48 hours of custody during investigation. Witnesses interviewed include the suspect’s mother, brother, and brother’s wife, all of whom confirmed the suspect’s guilt according to the charges.
Other witnesses, including neighboring victims and those nearby, will be summoned for questioning later. Authorities are awaiting forensic reports to determine the exact cause of the fire. The victims living in adjacent houses affected by the blaze will provide additional information on lost property. If evidence is sufficient, police will proceed with further legal steps and submit the case file to the prosecutor tomorrow.