PHUKET —
A festive evening at Saphan Hin turned chaotic late on Tuesday (July 29th) when rival teen groups clashed in a violent confrontation, resulting in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of multiple weapons.
At approximately 10:30 p.m., officers from Phuket City Police Station received a report of a disturbance during a local community event for subdistrict heads and village leaders at the central stage area of Saphan Hin Public Park in Talad Yai.
Eyewitnesses said that 3–4 youths were seen chasing one another with knives, and one group threw a large firecracker while another brandished what resembled a firearm. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Police launched an operation to identify and apprehend the suspects. CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts were gathered to aid the investigation. By 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday ( July 30th), police had arrested three individuals: Mr. Chatchai (20), Mr. Ongart (20), and Mr. Ekkasit (21). Confiscated items included:
- A homemade pen-style firearm
- One .38 caliber bullet
- A black leather knife sheath (approx. 14.5 inches)
- A folding knife (approx. 6 inches long)
- A metal knuckle duster
According to preliminary questioning, the suspects had encountered their rivals at the event and a verbal dispute quickly escalated into threats and intimidation. One individual reportedly drew a weapon while another launched a firecracker. Following the confrontation, both parties fled the scene.
Police conducted urine drug tests on all three suspects, all of which returned positive results. Legal proceedings were initiated under multiple charges.
The accused now face:
- Possession of unauthorized firearms and ammunition
- Carrying weapons in public without justification
- Consumption of Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine)
Additionally:
- Mr. Chatchai was charged with attempted unlawful firearm discharge
- Mr. Ongart with illegal knife possession
- Mr. Ekkasit with carrying a prohibited weapon (brass knuckles) and driving under the influence of methamphetamine
All suspects were remanded to Phuket City Police Station for further legal action.
