Crime Phuket Youth Gangs Clash: Festival Turns Violent Crime Scene

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of The Phuket News

 

A tranquil evening at Phuket's Parn Hin festival erupted into chaos last night as a confrontation between rival youth gangs spiralled into violence. The clash, involving firecrackers, knives, and even a homemade gun, left festivalgoers shocked and three suspects in custody.

 

The trouble started around 10.30pm near the central stage of the Saphan Hin fairground. Witnesses described a tense standoff between two groups of teenagers, which quickly escalated when a firecracker was thrown and a gun was allegedly brandished.

 

Panic ensued as attendees scrambled for safety. A video capturing the pandemonium circulated quickly, showing the extent of the chaos. Police, led by Lieutenant Colonel Yutthaphon Phromdao and Colonel Chatree Chukaew, arrived promptly to restore order.

 

By the time authorities reached the scene, the rival groups had dispersed. However, persistence paid off as officers apprehended three suspects by 12.30am: 20-year-olds Chatchai and Ong-at, and 21-year-old Ekkasit.

 

A subsequent search uncovered a stash of weapons, including a homemade pen gun, a .38-calibre bullet, brass knuckles, and a folding knife encased in a black leather sheath.

 

The detained trio confessed to engaging with their adversaries at the festival, admitting that the situation escalated swiftly. Their attempt to flee was thwarted by the police's swift response.

 

“All three suspects underwent drug testing, which confirmed methamphetamine use,” a police spokesperson reported.

 

Charges have been filed against the men, including possession of an unlicensed firearm, carrying weapons in public without cause, and use of Category 1 narcotics. Additional charges are being pursued: Chatchai for attempted discharge of a firearm, Ong-at for illegal possession of a knife, and Ekkasit for possessing brass knuckles and driving while impaired.

 

“This incident highlights our zero-tolerance policy for public threats,” stated Pol. Col. Chatree. “Violence will not be tolerated, especially in community settings.”

 

The suspects are currently held at Phuket City Police Station as investigations continue, reflecting the broader commitment to maintaining public safety and order.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-30

 

 

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

“This incident highlights our zero-tolerance policy for public threats,” stated Pol. Col. Chatree. “Violence will not be tolerated, especially in community settings.”

Too late, the damage has already been done.

Tourists are voting with their feet.

[Woke to Sounds]

[stevenl]

59 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Too late, the damage has already been done.

Tourists are voting with their feet.

Tourists are leaving or not coming due to unsafety?

Nonsense.

[hotchilli]

17 minutes ago, stevenl said:

Tourists are leaving or not coming due to unsafety?

Nonsense.

I have a family of friends who have come here every year for the last 8 years, traveling through Asia visiting me during their stay.

This year they have already said Thailand is off the list.

So not nonsense.

Price for the family of 5 was a factor, immigration requirements was another

and safety the last

[animalmagic]

12 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

I have a family of friends who have come here every year for the last 8 years, traveling through Asia visiting me during their stay.

This year they have already said Thailand is off the list.

So not nonsense.

Price for the family of 5 was a factor, immigration requirements was another

and safety the last

Don't charge them so much for visiting you!  😘

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, animalmagic said:

Don't charge them so much for visiting you!  😘

Just for your info, the usual hotel they stay at near me asked double what they paid last September, and wanted a 75% deposit transferred  up front not less than 10 days before arrival