A retired policeman who lost his left arm in a freak accident has become a successful coffee barista.

Former high-flying lieutenant Jaroon Hoyraya, 74, had to undergo an amputation when a radio electrocuted him on the job in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2004.

The ex-officer spiralled into heavy drinking and depression but has now turned his life around and opened a small cafe, which has become an instant hit with locals and tourists.

Footage shows one-handed barista Jaroon carefully putting ground beans into the coffee machine. He measured frothy milk to make his signature drink and served it in a cup.

He said: ‘Was I born like this? No, I wasn't. I lost my arm while serving as a government officer, specifically during my time in the special forces.

‘My supervisor tasked me with leading a patrol squad. Around 2004 to 2005, I took charge and led the squad on patrols in various villages.

‘After finishing the patrol in the morning, I was going to report to the unit when I encountered a problem with the radio. I attempted to adjust the knob and antenna. However, the antenna received a sudden high-voltage burst and electrocuted me.'

Jaroon lost his arm just an inch below the elbow and underwent an amputation at the Police General Hospital.

He added: ‘My tears were flowing unconsciously, and I no longer had the will to live because the loss of my organ deeply saddened me. I worked for my organisation until losing my limb. I gave them every part of me.'

Jaroon said he spotted the nice space in the market as he used to pass by it while jogging every morning.

He said: ‘I've been running here for three years because the market owner was kind to me due to his fondness for Buddha images and allowed me to use this space without any charges.

‘I decided to open a coffee shop because I wanted to increase my income, as suggested by my children. I gave it a try, and while there were times when sales were good and other times when they were slow, I was not serious about it.'

Jaroon said that his first few customers said how much they liked his signature drinks and soon after more people arrived due to word of mouth.

He said: ‘On one occasion, I overheard someone exclaim, 'So good!' in praise of something I did. They asked permission to capture footage of me, so I smiled and gave them permission.'

For people feeling discouraged, the ex-police officer turned cafe owner has some advice.

He said: ‘At the very least, for those who may feel discouraged or contemplate harmful actions towards themselves, I urge them to halt those thoughts. I, too, have experienced moments where I contemplated self-harm, but the thought of living for my children and family motivated me so I continue fighting until this day.'