The arrests were announced at 3:30pm yesterday (May 6) during a press conference at Wichit Police Station led by Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum and Wichit Police Chief Pol Col Somsak Thongkliang.
Police said the crackdown followed an attempted murder incident at the Laem Dinso viewpoint in Wichit on Tuesday (May 5), where gunmen opened fire during a confrontation.
Watcharachai Buachin, 18, was arrested on charges of illegal possession of a firearm. Seized during the operation were two homemade firearms, six magazines and ammunition, and a box containing 24 spent .38-calibre shell casings. Police confirmed the weapons were linked to the shooting at Laem Dinso.
Investigators later arrested two juvenile suspects accused of carrying out the attack: 17-year-old Yosakorn and 15-year-old Naphat, whose surnames were withheld because they are minors.
Wichit Police investigators obtained arrest warrants from the Juvenile Court yesterday (May 6), charging both suspects with attempted murder and carrying firearms in a public place.
Police also expanded their investigation into a separate shooting in Kathu on Tuesday in which shots were fired at a vehicle, causing damage.
Two more teenage suspects, identified only as 15-year-old Pipat and 16-year-old Anutach, were arrested in connection with that case. Police said the firearms used were also connected to an earlier illegal weapons case.
Wichit Police are coordinating with Kathu Police to continue legal proceedings against the pair.
Meanwhile, 11 other juveniles aged between 15 and 17 who were allegedly involved in a separate gathering at Cape Panwa in Wichit, but who did not directly take part in the shooting, will face charges under the Child Protection Act, police said.
Investigators are compiling criminal records and personal information linked to the gang and associated groups operating in the area.
Police forensic officers collected DNA samples and gunpowder residue from all suspects as part of the investigation. Officers said evidence from forensic testing, along with confessions and witness statements, would be used to pursue charges against all those involved.