Patong –
Phuket police are investigating a violent clash in Patong after a group of more than 20 teenagers stormed the beachfront early Friday morning, leaving a 17‑year‑old boy critically wounded by gunfire and a 15‑year‑old injured in a beating.
The incident occurred at around 1:35 a.m. on August 22nd along Phra Barami Road in Patong. Officers responding to the scene found that the victim, identified only as “Tee,” a student at a local school, had been shot and rushed to Patong Hospital in serious condition. Another boy, aged 15, was assaulted by the mob and sustained injuries.
According to witnesses, Tee and about ten friends were sitting together near the beach when a large group of youths arrived on motorcycles. The attackers had reportedly been searching for rivals earlier in the night, brandishing firearms to intimidate others before circling back to the beachfront. One of them approached Tee, exchanged words, then fired a handgun at close range before fleeing with the group toward Kathu. Several of the assailants also beat the younger boy before escaping.
Police from Patong station collected evidence at the scene and began reviewing CCTV footage along escape routes. Investigators are working to determine whether the attack stemmed from a personal feud, a planned confrontation between rival groups, or another motive. Authorities say they have already identified the gang involved, believed to be from the Ket Ho area of Kathu, and are moving quickly to bring those responsible to justice.
