Laotian man holds family at knifepoint to seek help returning home

A Laotian man held his wife and son at knifepoint at the foot of Yommarat flyover in Bangkok’s Ratchathewi district on Saturday morning in an attempt to draw official attention to his family’s plight.

The incident began at about 10.20am, when passers-by alerted the police.

Police officers and emergency volunteers were dispatched to the scene and quickly cordoned off the area as an officer tried to persuade the agitated man to surrender.

After about 20 minutes of negotiations, the man agreed to put down his knife and release his wife and son, who appeared to be in shock and had sustained minor injuries. Both received first aid, while the man was taken to Phaya Thai Police Station for questioning.

A police officer later said the three were family members who wanted to return to Laos but lacked the money to do so. The man allegedly staged the hostage incident to draw the attention of Thai authorities and seek assistance for his family.