Region 8 Police Deputy Commander Pol Maj Gen Pornchai Khajornklin and Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum announced the arrests during a press conference held at Phuket Provincial Police headquarters yesterday (May 26).
The first incident occurred late on Saturday night (May 24), when a group of teenagers opened fire and threw explosives in Soi Bang Thong 3, in Moo 7, Kathu. A 15-year-old boy, Athinan Ruangsantidamrong, sustained a gunshot wound to the right thigh and was taken to hospital.
Over an hour later, at about 12:30am on Sunday (May 25), the same group allegedly struck again at the Chamcha Market parking lot in Phuket Town, where 31-year-old Jirathip Chotiphanit was shot in the right arm.
Officers launched an urgent investigation, with both Kathu and Phuket City Police instructed to track down the suspects quickly due to public safety concerns and the potential impact on the island’s tourism image.
Within 24 hours, officers had arrested seven suspects across multiple raids in Wichit and elsewhere in Mueang District. The group, all aged between 16 and 20, were found with weapons and explosive devices.
The arrests included:
* Case 1: At 3pm on Sunday (May 25), two suspects, aged 16 and 19, were found in possession of a homemade firearm. Both face charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and carrying weapons in public without permission.
* Case 2: An hour later, police arrested four suspects aged between 17 and 20. Officers seized three shotgun cartridges. The suspects face charges related to illegal possession of unlicensed ammunition.
* Case 3: By 5pm, another suspect, aged 18, was arrested with a homemade shotgun and ammunition. He is also charged with attempted murder and illegal firearm possession.
* Case 4: In the early hours of yesterday (May 26), police executed an arrest warrant for 19-year-old Muhammad Alham (surname withheld), who was taken into custody on similar charges.
Also presented as seized in making the arrests were five swords and a bag of small ‘ping pong bombs’, not mentioned in the written report by police.
All suspects confessed during questioning, telling police they had encountered a rival group and responded by opening fire and throwing explosive devices while riding motorcycles, said an official report of the arrests.
Region 8 Police Deputy Commander Pol Maj Gen Pornchai noted that the rapid arrests and seizures of weapons demonstrated swift law enforcement and a commitment to public safety.
In response to the incidents, Phuket police have ramped up security measures, including vehicle checkpoints, special night patrols and background checks on high-risk individuals, Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert added.
Pol Maj Gen Sinlert also urged parents to monitor their children’s behaviour, warning that guardians could face legal consequences under the Child Protection Act if found to be neglectful.
Officers are continuing to investigate the teen gang and are working to identify and apprehend any remaining individuals involved in the attacks, he added.