Teens arrested after shootings

Police have arrested several teenagers believed to be behind two violent attacks involving firearms and giant firecrackers that injured two people in Phuket over the weekend.

- Eakkapop Thongtub

Region 8 Police Deputy Commander Pol Maj Gen Pornchai Khajornklin and Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum announced the arrests during a press conference held at Phuket Provincial Police headquarters on May 26.

The first incident occurred late on May 24, when a group of teenagers opened fire and threw explosives in Soi Bang Thong 3, in Moo 7, Kathu. A 15-year-old boy, Athinan Ruangsantidamrong, sustained a gunshot wound to the right thigh and was taken to hospital.

Over an hour later, at about 12:30am on May 25, the same group allegedly struck again at the Chamcha Market parking lot in Phuket Town, where 31-year-old Jirathip tiphanit was shot in the right arm.

Officers launched an urgent investigation, with both Kathu and Phuket City Police instructed to track down the suspects quickly due to public safety concerns and the potential impact on the island's tourism image.