‘Hero’ Thai cop calms knifeman with big hug

A Thai police officer has used kindness to rapidly deescalate a dangerous situation involving a distressed knifeman.

CCTV video taken inside Huay Kwang Police Station in Bangkok on Saturday night (local time) and published by Thai news service Sanook News shows a 45-year-old man entering the facility, with a knife in his hand.

Directly opposite him stands officer Anirut Malee, who can be seen trying to gently reason with the man before eventually persuading him to hand the knife over.

Mr Malee then takes the weapon from the 45-year-old before unexpectedly opens his arms in an invitation to hug.

The apparently bewildered knifeman stands rigid as Mr Malee’s arms enfold him.

The officer can be seen smiling as he holds the knifeman, before gently directing him to sit on an adjacent chair.

Other station staff slowly approach, gathering around to watch the encounter.

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Mr Malee has told Sanook News the knifeman – a former musician now employed as a security guard – was in a state of distress after not being been paid for three days.

He had also recently had his guitar stolen.

“I heard him out and sympathised and said I had a guitar to give him, and suggested we go out for a meal together,” Mr Malee said.

The man was later taken to hospital to be evaluated over his mental condition. No charges have been laid.

Reddit users have showered praise on Mr Malee for his conduct and decision to not resort to force.

“Now that is a hero,” said one.

“I wish all cops were so brave, and yet so kindhearted.”

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