The arrest followed an expanded investigation into a group of young street racers previously detained for violating traffic laws and curfew restrictions, explained Wichit Police Chief Pol Col Somsak Thongkliang.
An investigation uncovered evidence linking the gang to illegal weapons and explosive materials. Acting on this information, Wichit Police officers conducted a raid on Friday evening (Apr 4), targeting several locations in Mueang Phuket District, he said.
The search led to the discovery of two homemade bombs, a homemade gun with ammunition and a machete, hidden in the home of a gang member.
The gang, consisting of over 15 youths aged between 14 and 15, is led by a 17-year-old boy identified only as ‘T’.
Police later escorted him to his residence in Koh Siray, east of Phuket Town, where additional evidence was seized. He now faces charges of illegally producing and possessing explosives and firearms, for which licenses cannot be issued, Pol Col Somsak said.
According to police, the homemade bombs ‒ constructed using gunpowder, rocks, paper, and black tape ‒ were inspired by materials found on social media. The gang allegedly intended to use them during motorcycle clashes with rival groups, raising fears of serious harm or fatalities.
“This operation is part of our ongoing effort to eliminate the dangers posed by illegal street racing and youth gangs,” said Pol Col Somsak. “The seizure of these weapons may have prevented a deadly incident.”
Earlier on Friday, Wichit Police set up checkpoints to enforce laws against underage street racing and curfew violations, resulting in the arrest of 17 minors and the seizure of 10 motorbikes. Parents of the minors were summoned for legal briefings under the Child Protection Act.
Pol Col Somsak noted that the crackdown follows a wider policy, led by Region 8 Police Commander Pol Lt Gen Surapong Thanomchit and Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum, to improve public safety by targeting high-risk areas.
Investigations are ongoing as police work to dismantle youth gangs and remove illegal weapons from the community, Pol Col Somsak said.