The suspect, named by police only as Mr Yut, was taken into custody yesterday afternoon (Sept 2) under a warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court for arson.
Police said Yut confessed to dousing the red Mazda 2 sedan with petrol and setting it alight outside the victim’s home in Moo 6, Wichit, just before 1am on Monday. The vehicle, registered in Phuket, was badly damaged in the blaze.
The arrest was led by Wichit Police Chief Pol Col Somsak Thongkliang, with support from Pol Lt Col Thirawat Amnatcharoenying, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation, and Pol Lt Col Wittaya Kunnoi, Investigation Inspector.
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage which captured the entire incident. The video shows a man wearing shorts, a helmet and a clear plastic raincoat arriving on a motorbike, pouring petrol on the car and setting it alight before fleeing.
The victim, who has been separated from Yut for more than two months, told police she believed the arsonist looked like her former husband.
With this evidence, officers quickly secured a warrant and arrested Yut at his residence. Police also seized the motorbike believed to have been used in the crime.
Yut later confessed, telling officers he had acted in a moment of anger and regretted his actions, police reported.
“This was a serious crime carried out with no regard for the law,” said Pol Col Somsak. “Thanks to CCTV footage and swift investigation, we were able to identify and arrest the suspect within 24 hours.”
The suspect remains in custody facing arson charges, he confirmed.