Youth Street Racing Incident Ends in Gun Violence, Leaving Three Seriously Injured

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders of blood stains found at the scene.

 

A violent shooting in the early hours of the  morning of 23 February, has left three young people seriously injured, including a 12-year-old girl, in what is believed to be a clash between rival street racing gangs.

 

At approximately 02:45, officers from Khuan Khanun Police Station responded to an incident on the inbound Asia Highway in Moo 1, Cha Muang Subdistrict, Khuan Khanun District, Pattalung Province. Upon arrival, police discovered pools of blood and a pair of white flip-flops at the scene. Roughly 30 metres away, another bloodstain was found next to an abandoned red and black Honda Scoopy motorcycle, which had no registration plate. Officers also recovered a single .380 calibre bullet casing nearby.

 

The injured have been identified as a 13-year-old boy, a 16-year-old youth, and a 12-year-old girl. Both male victims suffered gunshot wounds to the head and remain in critical condition. The 12-year-old girl also sustained serious injuries.

 

Initial police investigations suggest that the victims were part of a larger group of illegal street racers, commonly referred to as 'dek waen' (youth motorbike racers), who were gathered at the location. Authorities suspect the shooting resulted from an ongoing conflict between two rival groups.

 

Local residents report that the area is a known hotspot for street racing, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights, when dozens of young riders gather to compete in high-speed races. The noise and disruption have been a long-standing nuisance to both residents and commuters. Despite continued crackdowns by law enforcement, the gatherings persist.

 

Witnesses stated that police had already dispersed the group around midnight, but the racers quickly reassembled. Shortly before 02:45 gunfire erupted, with approximately four to five shots heard, leading to the injuries.

 

Medical personnel at Khuan Khanun Hospital have since transferred the two critically injured male victims to Pattalung Hospital for further treatment, as their conditions remain critical.

 

Police are continuing their investigation to identify the perpetrators and determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack.

 

 

-- 2025-02-23