Pranee Boonsawang, 51, who asked to be identified as ‘Ms Som’, owns an apartment complex in Soi Palai, Moo 2, Chalong. She told reporters today (June 5) that since early 2024, she and her tenants have suffered continuous disturbances from a man living across the street, identified as Thiranai Chanphong, 29.
“He screams, throws bottles, carries sticks and threatens to burn down the building,” Ms Som said. “He walks the streets at 2 or 3am, talking to himself, high on drugs or kratom. It’s terrifying.”
Ms Som said the incidents began in early 2024, prompting her to file a report at Chalong Police Station on Feb 7 last year. According to that report, Mr Thiranai stormed into her apartment building while appearing intoxicated and hurled a glass bottle at a foreign guest, who fled in fear. Police temporarily detained him, later confirming he had a history of drug use and mental health issues. But little changed.
Despite repeated reports and desperate appeals, authorities allegedly told Ms Som there was little they could do due to legal limitations. “They told me to take my complaints to the media,” she said.
Ms Som recounted that at one point, Mr Thiranai was sent to Chalong Hospital and later transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital and then Surat Thani Hospital, where she paid B7,000 out of her own pocket for transport. “I thought he was gone for good, but after a month, he came back.”
Since returning, his behaviour has allegedly resumed. “He shouts at night, curses, threatens to kill someone or burn the place down,” she said, adding that the police continue to tell her their hands are tied. “They say they could arrest him and then release him. There’s no law to help us.”
Ms Som said she also sought help from the village headman, the Social Security Office and other local authorities, but was told any long-term treatment would cost B6,000 per month ‒ an amount she believes the man’s mother, a former dishwasher and garbage collector, cannot afford.
“I even offered to help pay for his relocation to a more isolated area. The police said there’s no such place,” she added. “I don’t blame the police. I know they’re doing what they can. But I’m a citizen. I’ve helped all I can. Who will help me?”
The mental and emotional toll has left her feeling cornered. “Some nights I think I need to learn how to shoot a gun to protect myself. But if I do anything, I’ll be the one in the wrong.”
She ended her appeal with a question: “If I’m not allowed to push the burden elsewhere, does that mean I have to wait until someone gets stabbed?”
Ms Som says she still hopes an agency will step in to offer consistent care and ensure the safety of everyone involved. Until then, she fears the next outburst may end in tragedy.