Wichit Police Chief Pol Col Somsak Thongkliang stated that the parents were summoned to Wichit Police Station, where they were informed of the charges under Section 26(3) of the Child Protection Act B.E. 2546.
Section 26(3) of the Act prohibits individuals from forcing, threatening, inducing, or allowing children to engage in inappropriate behaviour or actions that could lead to wrongdoing.
According to Section 78 of the Act, violators face penalties of up to three months in prison, a fine not exceeding B30,000, or both.
The operation targeted gangs of young street racers and minors riding illegally modified motorcycles.
Such groups reportedly gather after 10pm, disturbing residents in the area. In response, police launched a crackdown to curb street racing and ensure public safety, Pol Col Somsak explained.
During the operation, officers seized nine motorcycles and detained 14 minors.
The crackdown aligns with the authorities’ broader effort to prevent unlawful gatherings and enforce traffic discipline in areas frequently receiving complaints, such as at Laem Dinso and Ao Yon, Pol Col Somsak said.
The campaign against teen street racing is being carried out under the direction of Region 8 Police Commander Pol Lt Gen Surapong Thanomchit and Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum,he added.
Pol Col Somsak made it plain that the campaign targetting wayward youths, especially teen street racers, will continue.
“Police will ensure that parents understand their children’s behaviour and take steps to prevent repeat offenses,” he said.
“Additionally, we are gathering intelligence on gangs operating in the area to preempt any further incidents and aid ongoing investigations.”
“Police will arrest them and seize the motorcycles used. Then the parents of those arrested will be called to hear about their children’s behaviour to help prevent repeated offenses,” he said.
“At the same time, the task force will collect in-depth information about the various gangs in the area to prevent future incidents, as well as use this information for investigations to lead to the arrest of the perpetrators who commit crimes in the area,” he added.
Additional reporting by Eakkapop Thongtub