The order to break up the mass gathering of teenagers, near the public water pumphouse on the backroad through Koh Kaew leading to Kathu, came by order of Phuket Town Police Chief Col Prathueng Phonmana after Phuket City Police received a report of the mass gathering at about 10pm.
Tasked with carrying out the order, officers led by Pol Lt Col Somporn Rangsimanrat arrived to find more than 100 youths gathered, with some speeding around on motorbikes in the dark.
Officers surrounded the youths and began searching for any illegal objects, including firearms, knives and drugs. No illicit possessions were reported as found among the youths.
Regardless, the teenagers were all taken to Phuket City Police Station to have their presence at the gathering recorded before being released.
Police explained that taking the teens into custody was a preventative measure.
Officers explained that arguments turning into mass brawls posed a danger to those present and to bystanders.
The aim of the proactive measure was aimed at preventing any unwelcome incidents and to prevent loss before any such incident occurred.