The incident came to light when three photos circulated online showing the youths posing with weapons, accompanied by a caption that read: “So arrogant! ‘Phuket’ Myanmar teenager gang in the Cherng Talay area showing off guns and machetes on social media, locals complain! Asking officers to investigate.”
Police launched an investigation and Cherng Talay Police on Monday (June 2) confirmed the arrest of one of the individuals in the photos. The operation was conducted by a team that included Pol Lt Col Anurak Klangnarong, Pol Lt Col Wachira Ammarin and Pol Lt Chanasin Prateep Na Thalang, Cherng Talay Police espoused.
The suspect was located at a worker camp in Baan Ya in Srisoonthorn, Thalang. When confronted by police with the images circulating online, the teenager admitted he was the person in the photos. He also identified the others as Burmese nationals he knew casually but could not provide further details about them.
The suspect claimed the weapons were his. The gun was a toy air gun and the two knives had been purchased from a local flea market. Officers seized the items and recorded his personal history as a “high-risk individual”.
Police later took the teen to the scene where the photos were taken to confirm details of the incident.
Police have not confirmed whether additional arrests will follow but have reiterated their commitment to ensuring public safety.