KHON KAEN: A man high on methamphetamine started a fire that destroyed his two-storey home, in Chonnabot district early on Monday, police said.
The fire was was started about 5am at house No 85 in Don Khu village, tambon Si Bunruang, Pol Capt Nitipan Roongruang, a duty officer at Chonnabot, said.
Fire engines from Si Bunruang tambon administration organisation fought the blaze for about 30 minutes, but by the time the flames were put out the house was destroyed. Damage was estimated at 800,000 baht. Nobody was hurt.
The house belonged to Noolek Yingyong, 49, who told police she allowed her son, Vararit Atkhampha, 29, to live there alone. She said her son was addicted to methamphetamine and he spent most of his time in the house with his friends.
A neighbour, Sakol Hawanich, 60, told police he heard loud noises, like things being hit and broken, coming from the house some time before dawn. A short time later he saw that the upper floor was in flames.
Mr Vararit ran out of the house after the fire had started, he said.
Mr Sakol called police.
Pol Col Chansilp Nasoongchon, the Chonnabot police chief, said Mr Vararit was found in a farm hut about one kilometre away.
Under questioning, he allegedly confessed to have taken two meth pills, and later setting fire to the house.
Mr Vararit was charged with arson and use of an illegal drug.