By Manisha Sahu — America News World
October 19,2025
A startling incident unfolded on Monday afternoon in Bangkok’s bustling retail centre when a 41-year-old Indian national, identified as Sahil Ram Thadani, was taken into custody after reportedly threatening passers-by with what appeared to be a handgun. Police confirm the object was in fact a lighter designed in the shape of a pistol.
The scene: A busy street turned alarm zone
The disturbance took place at around 4 p.m. on Monday near the hotel Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square on Siam Square Soi 6 in the Pathum Wan district — one of the city’s most frequented commercial hubs.
Video footage circulating on social media shows Thadani walking on the pavement, making peculiar noises, shouting at by-standers and then brandishing the pistol-shaped object while pointing it at people. The scene triggered panic among both locals and tourists.
Security guards initially intervened, attempting to calm the situation, while by-standers sought safety or streamed the disturbance on their phones. Ultimately, Thai police arrived and arrested Thadani.
Also read:- Israel strikes Gaza as Hamas rejects US ceasefire claim
Arrest and charges
When police reached the scene, Thadani allegedly refused to comply with instructions, and even threatened officers before being subdued.
At the police station, officers confirmed that the object was not a real firearm but rather a cigarette-lighter fashioned to appear like a gun. He has been charged with threatening behaviour and causing a public disturbance.
Why the behaviour? Investigations ongoing
According to Thai police, Thadani’s conduct may have been influenced by hallucinations after consuming cannabis.
A preliminary check on his background revealed he had previously served as a director of three companies in India, all of which are now defunct. Authorities are investigating how long he had been staying in Thailand and whether he has any prior history of similar disruptive behaviour.
Impact and wider concerns
Although no injuries were reported, the incident sparked significant alarm. When a weapon-like object is waved in a crowded public place, fear naturally spreads—even if the item is ultimately harmless. The use of a realistic replica raises broader questions about public safety, especially in high-foot-traffic tourist zones such as Siam Square.
The incident also has diplomatic sensitivities: the fact that the individual is an Indian national could invite scrutiny from both Thai immigration authorities and India’s foreign missions. While the majority of Indian visitors to Thailand pose no issues, cases of erratic public behaviour remain high-profile and can affect perceptions of visitor conduct.
Furthermore, the incident underscores how non-firearm devices (such as gun-shaped lighters) can provoke panic as much as a real weapon. In crowded urban centres and transit hubs, quick response by security and police is essential to prevent escalation or misunderstanding.
Also read:- GST cuts boost consumption, may lift India’s GDP: Govt
What happens next?
Police in the Pathum Wan district continue their investigation. They are looking into:
– Thadani’s immigration status, length of stay in Thailand and purpose of visit.
– Whether he had engaged in similar behaviour previously, either in Thailand or elsewhere.
– The exact nature of his mental state or whether substance use contributed to his actions.
– Possible additional charges depending on investigation findings.
Thailand’s legal system may treat the incident seriously given the public disturbance and potential threat posed in a high-magnitude tourist area. International visitors are subject to Thai law, and disruptions such as this can lead to stricter consequences including deportation, fines, or detention.
Travel advisory for visitors
For foreign visitors in Thailand, especially in crowded city zones, this incident is a reminder of basic safety etiquette:
– Avoid carrying or using any device that resembles a weapon. Even novelty items can prompt alarms or legal action.
– Maintain calm and respectful behaviour in public spaces. Erratic conduct, especially under influence of substances, can lead to arrest.
– Be aware of local laws: Thailand has strict regulations around weapon-possession and public nuisance, and law enforcement tends to act swiftly in high-traffic areas.
– If you see someone behaving in a threatening manner, maintain distance and alert nearby security or police rather than intervening yourself.
Concluding remarks
The case of Sahil Ram Thadani in the heart of Bangkok serves as a stark reminder that even something seemingly innocuous — a lighter shaped like a handgun — can trigger major public alarm, swift police intervention and serious legal implications when used in a public, crowded space. The investigation continues.