Tipsy Trouble: Bangkok Man Arrested for Fake Shooting Report
A Bangkok man is facing criminal charges after allegedly making a bogus emergency call that sent police racing to a fake shooting scene in the Sai Mai district.
The False Alarm
The drama began late on Wednesday, August 27, when the 191 emergency hotline received a call claiming that a woman had opened fire outside a clinic in Sai Mai, injuring several people. Believing they were dealing with a possible mass shooting, officers from Sai Mai Police Station rushed to the location fully equipped to handle a violent incident.
Instead of finding victims, however, they discovered only a young man who was visibly intoxicated. Police later identified him as 23-year-old Apinantanarak, known locally by the nickname “Note.”
The Arrest
Two days later, on August 29, officers arrested Apinantanarak near the same clinic at the entrance of Koh Kaew Villa Village, Soi 2, in the Khlong Thanon subdistrict. The operation was led by Police Colonel Nathatchapong Kiram, superintendent of Sai Mai Police Station, along with his team.
When confronted, the suspect allegedly admitted to making the false report while under the influence of alcohol. Witnesses at the time said he appeared drunk and verbally abusive towards police, sparking additional concerns about public safety.
Wasting Vital Resources
Investigators quickly traced the prank call back to Apinantanarak’s registered phone number. A search of the area found no evidence of gunfire, victims, or any kind of altercation.
Police condemned the hoax, stressing that false reports waste valuable resources and can endanger lives. “Making fake emergency calls is not only irresponsible but also dangerous,” said one officer. “Our teams could have been diverted from real emergencies where lives were at risk.”
The 191 hotline is Thailand’s critical link for people reporting emergencies ranging from violent crimes to fires and medical crises. Authorities warned that misuse of the system not only delays response times but also undermines public trust.
Legal Consequences
Apinantanarak has been charged with making false statements to police and causing a public disturbance. He remains in custody at Sai Mai Police Station as legal proceedings move forward.
Under Thai law, prank calls to emergency services carry serious consequences, including potential jail time and heavy fines. Officials hope the arrest serves as a deterrent to others who might consider misusing emergency hotlines.
A Warning to the Public
Local authorities emphasized that emergency numbers must be used responsibly. “Every false report puts lives at risk,” one official said. “We want the public to understand that this is not a harmless prank—it can cost people their safety, or even their lives.”
As the case progresses, police say they will continue to crack down on hoax callers to protect both emergency responders and the public. For Apinantanarak, what may have seemed like a drunken joke could now lead to a criminal record and severe penalties.
