A 'drug-addled' local who 'heard voices in his head' was arrested for rampaging on the streets wielding a 32-inch knife in Thailand.

Ekkapot Boranwan, 30, sparked panic among road users and pedestrians in Samut Prakan province when he rode his bicycle while carrying a large blade on May 22.

CCTV footage shows Ekkapot in a yellow shirt speeding past cars near the Maruay Market as he brandished the deadly weapon, with terrified passers-by fleeing from him.

Officers and brave residents followed the out-of-control man and detained him at his house in Soi Wat Khu Sang after a one-hour chase.

Ekkapot had barricaded himself in the home, but gave himself up to police after being convinced by his father.

The unnamed dad told cops that his son was allegedly dealing with a mental disorder and suffering from drug withdrawal symptoms.

During the pursuit, Police Corporal Dechphum Jansa, 27, suffered a dislocated left shoulder and an abrasion on his right knee.

He said: 'My partner and I went to the scene after receiving a report about the knife-wielding man. While running after him, I tripped on a rock and injured myself. He tried to lunge at me with the knife, but my partner was able to stop him in time. He then escaped on his bike.'

He added that Ekkapot terrorised passing villagers when he rushed at them waving his knife.

Onlooker Rungrueang Yongsuk, 52, said: 'While I was at work, my son called to tell me there was a crazy man going on a rampage holding a knife in front of our house. I rushed back home and found him standing there while there were many people passing by. He looked dangerous so I called the cops on him.'

Ekkapot, who was described as 'rambling and incoherent' during interrogation, reportedly told the officers that he went to a bridge to pull down a Thai flag 'after hearing a voice ordering him to do so.'

The suspect said a resident approached to take a photo of him stealing the flag, so he grabbed a knife fearing police would come to arrest him.

He also allegedly admitted to taking 'one pill of drugs' on Sunday before experiencing auditory hallucinations.

Ekkapot was remanded in police custody while authorities prepare to prosecute him.