Police were called to the scene, along Prachanukroh Rd, at the southern end of Patong, at about 12:45am.
Myanmar nationals Thian Pay, 23, and Win Sithu, 21, told police they were sitting on the beach with friends when a gang of other Myanmar youths arrived, with some of them carrying long knives. The two groups had previous encounters, the men said.
Thian and Win fled on a motorbike, and were chased by the gang.The chase ended on Prachanukroh Rd, where Win and Thian stopped their motorbike and fled on foot.
Instead of pursuing Win and Thian, the gang turned their attention to the motorbike the pair had left behind, and attacked with long knives
During the melee a single gunshot was reported as heard. Police later found no evidence of a firearm, but did find the remains of a large firecracker that they said made a noise similar to using a firearm.
Finished with their attack, the group dispersed.
At about 2am police arrested two Myanmar nationals, Mr Thai, 19, and Site Ian, 21, for their role in the attack.
The men were arrested at a workers’ room in Soi Rong Wai (opposite SuperCheap), on Nanai Rd. Seized as evidence was a knife, about 50cm long.
The two men were taken to Patong Police Station and charged with “jointly causing loss of property and jointly carrying weapons (knives) into towns, villages, or public roads openly or without reasonable grounds”, police confirmed.