Residents in tambon Nong Bua overpowered Asapa Seewuawa, 34, and handed him to police after he allegedly went berserk, grabbed a large chopping knife and hacked to death five boys and attacked the woman next door.
Police identified four of the boys as Wasan Sae Ying, Hahow Sae Ying, Singju Sae Ying and Howsang Sae Ying, who were relatives aged between 8-10.
Another boy, one-year-old Theerawut Denwipailertlam, was seriously injured. He died later in hospital.
A woman Yikor Sae Jin, who is heavily pregnant, sustained a deep hacking wound to her face and body. She is being treated at a local hospital.
According to police, Mr Asapa was released from Suan Prung Psychiatric Hospital in downtown Chiang Mai about a month ago.
Mr Asapa was at home when the boys were playing.
He became agitated and lost control of himself. Mr Asapa grabbed a large chopping knife from the kitchen and went next door.
He used the knife to hack the boys one by one. Ms Yikor heard the commotion and came out of her room to check on the boys.
She tried to calm Mr Asapa, to no avail. She sustained multiple wounds to her face and body and was taken to the Chai Prakan Hospital where she is in intensive care.
The neighbours rushed out of their homes and restrained Mr Asapa.
Police said Mr Asapa was deranged.
He has been remanded in police custody although he has not been charged.
Records showed Mr Asapa has regularly been receiving mental treatment at the Suang Prung hospital.
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