Officials subdue mentally ill man with knife who knocks on doors for food in Na Jomtien residential community

SATTAHIP, Thailand – After receiving multiple complaints from residents, officials in Sattahip intervened to subdue a man with a history of mental illness who had disturbed the peace by knocking on doors while wielding a knife or spatula.

The incident took place at the Government Housing Project in Na Jomtien. Residents reported feeling unsafe because the man, identified as 27-year-old Kija (last name withheld), had been causing unrest in the community for months by repeatedly banging on doors asking for food, sometimes brandishing a knife, leading until some residents avoid entering their homes or experience sleepless nights. His 55-year-old mother, Ms Naowarat, was present during the meetings to discuss the matter.

On October 24, representatives of local authorities including Khao Chi Chan Subdistrict Mayor Thanapong Kotmanee, Sattahip District Secretary Apichat Khongthot and the housing project’s community committee met to discuss an approach to solving the ongoing problem. They proposed a two-step solution: first, to send Kija for mental health treatment and ensure he takes his medications consistently, and second, if problems persist, to remove him from the Government Housing Project community to move to keep the peace.

After the meeting, a team of more than seven officials coordinated with Kija’s family to lure him out of the building, allowing authorities to secure him safely. At the same time, his aunt, who lives with him, was tested for substance use after officials discovered suspicious behavior. Her test came back positive for illegal substances, which resulted in both individuals being transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and rehabilitation.

Prajongjit, a resident, expressed relief and gratitude for the intervention, explaining that the disturbances had significantly affected residents. He said Kija’s behavior was becoming increasingly worrying, saying: “Sometimes he would knock and ask for food while waving a knife around, making many residents feel uncomfortable.” Prajongjit and others in the community thanked officials for their quick response and multi-agency collaboration that helped restore safety to their neighborhood.