A 41-year-old Indian national was arrested in Bangkok after he was seen wielding a lighter shaped like a pistol and shouting at people, causing panic in crowded Siam Square on Monday. Video footage shows him dancing on the road, verbally abusing bystanders, and pointing the lighter at people.
Who is Sahil Ram Thadani?
The man, identified as Sahil Ram Thadani, was detained by Bangkok police. Police later confirmed that the object was a cigarette lighter designed to resemble a pistol. Police records show that Thadani previously served as director for three companies in India. An investigation is currently ongoing into how long he has been staying in the country and his other whereabouts, according to a local news outlet. All of these companies have since ceased operations.
The incident took place at approximately 3:50 pm in front of the Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square Soi 6, Pathum Wan district, according to a local news outlet. Witnesses reported that Thadani seemed drunk and kept shouting on the road, behaving erratically. The video, which surfaced online, shows people seeking cover as security personnel tried to intervene.
He was then transported to the police station for further investigation. Authorities have confirmed that no actual firearm or dangerous items were found. However, they suspected that Thadani had consumed marijuana before the incident, which may have made him aggressive and unpredictable.
A post shared on X captured the chaos: “An Indian national in Bangkok created panic on the streets after he was seen roaming around with a lighter gun intimidating commuters & shouting abuses. Thankfully, no one was injured.”
An Indian national in Bangkok created panic on the streets after he was seen roaming around with a lighter gun intimidating commuters & shouting abuses.
— Amoxicillin (@__Amoxicillin_) October 18, 2025
The chaos forced the authorities to intervene, and he was eventually detained by the local police.
Thankfully, no one was… pic.twitter.com/TjGX10bJ8E
Indian man arrested in Bangkok
According to Thai Examiner, officers from Pathum Wan Police Station, including patrol units and basic SWAT teams, responded to the scene. Despite repeated orders to comply, Thadani continued to threaten officers and was restrained after a brief clash. In the latter part of the footage, he is seen sitting on the ground as security guards try to calm him. When he refuses to stand, they use force. A Bangkok police official said, “Even imitation firearms, when combined with intoxication, can create a real threat to public safety. Our swift response prevented the situation from escalating.”
Police also reported a concerning trend of marijuana-related incidents in Thailand. For instance, at the end of September, a Moroccan tourist reportedly jumped from her hotel rooftop pool while under the influence of marijuana. She was later pronounced dead.