Indian Man Arrested in Bangkok After Waving Gun-Shaped Lighter at Pedestrians — 1 Shocking Incident Sparks Panic
An Indian man was arrested in Bangkok after waving a pistol-shaped lighter at pedestrians, causing panic and a police intervention
An Indian man was arrested and charged after he was seen threatening people with a pistol-shaped lighter in Bangkok’s Siam Square. The incident that occurred around 4 pm on Monday in front of the Novotel hotel caused panic among bystanders and prompted a swift police response.
According to a report by Bangkok Post, the man, identified as 41-year-old Sahil Ram Thadani, was filmed dancing on the road while verbally abusing passersby. A video of the incident, widely circulated online, shows him pointing the gun-shaped lighter at passersby, alarming tourists and locals in one of Bangkok’s most popular commercial zones.
In the second half of the clip, Thadani is also seen sitting on the ground as security guards move in to arrest him. Despite repeated instructions to stand up, he refuses to comply, forcing guards to drag him off the ground. He can be heard crying and asking for the police to be called, before eventually apologising for his behaviour.
Police and security guards rushed to the scene and attempted to calm him down. However, Thadani continued to act aggressively and allegedly threatened officers as well. He was eventually subdued and taken into custody at Pathum Wan police station.
Authorities confirmed that the object he was brandishing was not a real firearm but a lighter designed to resemble a pistol. He has been charged with threatening behaviour and causing a public disturbance. According to police officials, his erratic conduct is believed to have stemmed from hallucinations caused by cannabis intake.
A police report revealed the man had previously been a director of three companies in India, all of which have since ceased operations. Police are now looking into how long he had been staying in Thailand and whether he has any prior record of disruptive conduct.
Last week, in one of Bangkok’s busiest shopping districts, a dramatic scene unfolded as a 41‑year‑old Indian national allegedly threatened passers‑by with what looked like a handgun but was later revealed to be a novelty lighter. The incident occurred around 4:00 p.m. on Monday, 13 October 2025, in front of the Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square on Siam Square Soi 6, in the Pathum Wan district.
According to Thai police reports, the man was identified as Sahil Ram Thadani. He had allegedly drawn the pistol‑shaped object and waved it at pedestrians in public, shouting and causing a commotion among both Thai locals and foreign tourists. Eyewitnesses described the scene as fearful and chaotic: many bystanders fled or took cover as they believed the object was a real firearm.
When officers from Pathumwan Police Station arrived on site, the object was confirmed to be a lighter fashioned like a gun — not a live firearm. Nevertheless, the behaviour of Thadani, combined with the realistic appearance of the object and the public setting, triggered a serious law‑enforcement response.
Authorities noted that Thadani seemed to be under the influence of a substance: preliminary investigation suggests that hallucinations from cannabis consumption may have played a role in his erratic actions. No other weapons or illegal items were found on his person. He was taken into custody and charged with threatening behaviour and causing a public disturbance under Thai law.
Public safety concerns in tourist‑heavy zones
Siam Square is one of Bangkok’s major commercial and tourist hubs. A person waving what appears to be a weapon in broad daylight here causes alarm, disrupting business and potentially endangering lives if a misunderstanding escalates. The reaction of shocked shoppers and onlookers underlines how such disturbances can quickly escalate if not handled swiftly.
Imitation weapons and legal grey zones
Although the device turned out to be a lighter and not a real gun, its realistic shape and how it was brandished made it indistinguishable to the public at the moment. Thai officials have emphasised that even imitation firearms can induce fear, trigger police response, and lead to legal consequences.
The fact that authorities suspect cannabis use underscores the role of substance‑influenced behaviour in public disturbances. While cannabis laws and enforcement vary significantly around the world, the link between impairment and threatening behaviour is a red flag for public safety.
Responsibility of foreign nationals abroad
As an Indian national, Thadani’s actions also raise questions around behaviour of visitors or foreigners living abroad, and how any incident can affect diplomatic relations or national image. Local media have pointed out the increased scrutiny foreign tourists might face when involved in such incidents.
Law‑enforcement readiness
The rapid response by local police and security guards in the area likely prevented further escalation of panic or violence. Authorities later increased patrols in the area to reassure the public and deter similar incidents.
