- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sun, 19 Oct 2025 02:32 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Bangkok police detained an Indian man identified as Sahil Ram Thadani after he sparked panic in a busy commercial area by brandishing what appeared to be a firearm in front of the Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square Soi 6, Pathum Wan district. The incident occurred around 3:50 pm on October 13, with witnesses reporting that Thadani appeared intoxicated and was shouting erratically at pedestrians and motorists.
Videos of the confrontation have since gone viral on social media, showing Thadani walking in the middle of the road, yelling incoherently, and pointing what looked like a gun at frightened bystanders. Several people were seen taking cover behind vehicles and shopfronts as security personnel cautiously approached the scene.
An Indian national in Bangkok created panic on the streets after he was seen roaming around with a lighter gun intimidating commuters & shouting abuses.
— Amoxicillin (@__Amoxicillin_) October 18, 2025
The chaos forced the authorities to intervene, and he was eventually detained by the local police.
Thankfully, no one was… pic.twitter.com/TjGX10bJ8E
Object Turned Out To Be Lighter
Authorities later confirmed that the object in question was not a real gun but a cigarette lighter designed to look like a pistol. Despite this, the incident caused widespread alarm, prompting an immediate police response.
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Thadani was subdued by hotel security staff before being handed over to officers from the Pathum Wan Police Station, where he was formally charged with threatening behaviour and causing a public disturbance.
Cannabis-Induced Hallucinations Suspected
Police officials stated that Thadani’s erratic actions were likely the result of hallucinations caused by cannabis consumption. “He appeared disoriented and aggressive,” one officer told local reporters. “His behaviour was consistent with someone experiencing substance-induced hallucinations.”
The Indian national reportedly offered no resistance during his arrest and was later questioned regarding his residence status and purpose of stay in Thailand.
Preliminary police records indicate that Thadani previously served as director for three companies in India, all of which have since ceased operations. Investigators are now probing how long he has been staying in Thailand and whether he was engaged in any business or unauthorised activities during his stay.
Local media outlets have reported that Thai authorities are also coordinating with Indian officials to verify his background and travel history.
Public Reaction And Ongoing Investigation
The incident has reignited public debate in Bangkok over foreigners engaging in disruptive or illegal behaviour. Many online commenters expressed relief that the object was not an actual weapon, but also criticised Thadani’s “reckless and disrespectful” conduct.
Police confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, with further charges possible depending on the results of toxicology tests and immigration checks.