Man Goes Berserk with Knife at Phitsanulok School; Arrested After Drinking Dog Blood Mixed with Beer, Claims Good Omen

On the afternoon of September 1, 2026, officers from Mueang Phitsanulok Police Station received a report of an agitated man carrying a knife wandering around the field of a central-city school. Responding officers found teachers and members of the public calmly evacuating students from the field. Police and local officials secured the area, forced the man to drop the knife and took him into custody without further violence.

Preliminary questioning identified the man as about 34 years old from Phitsanulok Province. He said he had drunk dog blood mixed with beer earlier that morning and believed the act was part of a belief or an auspicious ritual. He became intoxicated and began behaving erratically. Authorities took him to a mental health promotion hospital for a medical exam and psychiatric assessment, and later charged him with carrying a knife in public and creating a public nuisance.

The incident alarmed parents and the surrounding community because it occurred while students were still at school. Although no one was injured, many parents called on authorities to step up school security measures, including adding more CCTV cameras, increasing security personnel, and providing teachers with emergency response training.

Dr. Suraphol, the duty physician at the local mental health promotion hospital, said the suspect was brought in for evaluation of his mental state and abnormal consumption of food or drink, including animal blood, which can affect both physical and mental health in the short and long term. The patient is awaiting blood test results and a detailed psychiatric evaluation to guide treatment and counseling.

The deputy mayor and head of the Phitsanulok education office held an urgent meeting with the school principal and parent representatives to review measures to prevent recurrence. Proposed steps include increasing teacher supervision during lunch breaks, establishing clearer school entry and exit points, and educating students on self-protection when encountering strangers.

Regarding the case, police will collect evidence and file charges as appropriate. The suspect’s family has been invited to meet with mental health officials to plan treatment and psychosocial rehabilitation. The incident highlighted the need for preventive readiness in communities and schools—covering surveillance, care for people with mental health issues, and communication between schools and parents—to ensure safe learning environments and reassure local residents and tourists visiting Phitsanulok.