Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Police have arrested a 21-year-old man involved in a violent altercation between rival youth groups behind Wat Pradu in Bangkok, which culminated in gunfire. The suspect, identified as Anon “Joy” Chiamchan, was apprehended on 3 June, at around 12:30, following an investigation led by senior officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau and the Tao Poon Police Station.

 

The incident occurred in the early hours of 31 May, at approximately 01:00, near a bridge over a canal behind Wat Pradu, in the Bang Sue district. Eyewitness reports and CCTV footage revealed that three shots had been fired during a confrontation between teenagers.

 

Anon was found in possession of a semi-automatic .45 calibre Remington Rand 1911A1 pistol, one round of ammunition, a magazine, a brown leather holster, a white T-shirt and a pair of blue-and-white shorts worn during the incident. He was taken into custody at the Tao Poon Police Investigation Unit office.

 

Following a thorough review of nearby surveillance footage and witness interviews, police determined that Anon had discharged the firearm. He was subsequently summoned to the investigation office where he voluntarily surrendered the weapon, ammunition and clothing used during the altercation.

 

During questioning, Anon confessed that a group of youths had started a fight near his home, escalating when an individual named Mr. Peerapong “Diao” Chuensangchan arrived on a motorbike and allegedly threatened him and his younger sibling. Anon claimed Diao reached for a weapon near the rear of his house, prompting him to retrieve his unlicensed firearm and fire three shots into the air in an attempt to deter the aggressors. Diao then reportedly fled the scene.

 

Police confirmed Anon’s version of events aligned with the forensic and visual evidence. He now faces three charges:

 

• Illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition,

• Carrying a firearm in public without permission or reasonable cause, and

• Discharging a firearm in a public place without justifiable reason.

 

Authorities confirmed that the dispute stemmed from a youth conflict and had no connection to illegal money-lending operations, despite initial rumours suggesting otherwise.

 

Following the formal arrest, Anon was informed of his legal rights and transferred, along with the seized evidence, to Tao Poon Police Station for prosecution under the law.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-04

 

 

 

Gangsta rap strikes again, poisoning our youths' minds.

 

Where in hades did this fine young man procure a firearm?

 

Turn off the rap musick and get yourself to church, boy.