Patong –
Phuket authorities announced the swift arrest of seven teenagers involved in a violent shooting incident in Patong, showing their commitment to public safety and crime prevention in the province’s key tourist areas.
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Now for the update:
Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, Commander of Phuket Provincial Police told the Phuket Express that the incident occurred in the early hours of August 22nd, when a group of youths opened fire on rivals along Phra Baramee Road, opposite a hotel in Patong. A single gunshot left a 17‑year‑old boy critically injured with a neck wound, while a 15‑year‑old boy sustained injuries from physical assault. The attackers fled on motorcycles toward Kathu.
Police immediately launched an intensive investigation, collecting witness statements and analyzing CCTV footage, including data from the Phuket Eyes surveillance network. Evidence pointed to a local youth gang from Kathu with a history of conflict with the victims.
By 8:30 p.m. the same day, just 19 hours after the shooting, officers had tracked down and arrested seven suspects. Authorities are now pursuing one additional teenager believed to be connected to the attack. Officials confirmed that any minors found involved will face legal proceedings under juvenile justice protocols.
Beyond the arrests, provincial leaders stressed the importance of learning from the incident to prevent future youth violence. They pledged tighter enforcement against illegal firearms and expanded community programs set at deterring young people from gang activity.
