Phuket City Police confirmed that Kritsada Suksuwan, 34, was arrested on Jan 17 at the Irrawaddy Bypass housing estate, Soi 1, Ratsada, following complaints about his behaviour in the community.
Police said Kritsada tested positive for methamphetamine, a Category 1 narcotic, and was charged with possession of the drug. A urine sample and test results were seized as evidence.
He was later released after his mother paid a B2,000 fine, police said.
Police were called again after Kritsada walked out of a local shop angry, and picked up a machete that he was carrying on his motorbike. He started brandishing a machete in a threatening manner after exiting the local shop unhappy.
A CCTV clip recorded at 6:04pm on Jan 24 later circulated widely on social media, showing a man holding a machete and appearing to threaten people in Irrawaddy Bypass Village in Samkong. The footage prompted renewed concern among residents, many of whom said similar behaviour had occurred previously.
Residents said they do not know where the man is now, and fear he could return to the area.
Somsak Kiattikhan, 45, the owner of a grocery store in the area, said the man had been seen in the area repeatedly before the incident was captured on CCTV.
“The first time, he carried a short machete and threatened people at the shop,” Mr Somsak said. “We reported it to the police and he was taken away, but later released.”
Mr Somsak said the man later returned and made further threats in front of customers.
“He told me he would cut off my head and then went to get a longer machete and several knives. It was very dangerous,” he said.
He added that the man does not live in the village, but in another area about two to three kilometres away.
The suspect’s mother, identified as Ms B, said her son has long suffered from mental illness linked to drug addiction and has previously undergone treatment at several rehabilitation centres.
She said she wanted authorities to arrange proper rehabilitation and treatment to prevent further incidents.
Phuket City Police said officers are continuing patrols in the area and urged residents to report any sightings immediately and avoid confrontation.