The incident unfolded at around 11:56pm when youths attacked a car repair shop on Soi Thaweesap, Moo 1, Wichit. Patrol officers responding to the scene found one bullet casing, a detonated explosive, and two unexploded devices. A car in the area was also discovered with bullet damage to its windshield. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
CCTV footage and witness accounts enabled police to quickly identify the perpetrators, many of whom are under 18.
Wichit Police Chief Pol Col Somsak Thongkliang ordered a large-scale operation the following day (Aug 31), with teams led by Pol Lt Col Wuttiwat Liangbunchinda, Pol Lt Col Thirawat Amnatcharoenying, Pol Lt Col Somporn Rangsimanrat and Pol Lt Col Sawat Phono-on. Patrol and investigative units tracked down and arrested a large number of the gang members involved.
The suspects face a range of charges including possession and use of firearms, carrying weapons in public without a permit, discharging firearms in public and using explosives to damage property.
Additional charges include unlawful assembly and causing unrest, which carry penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment. Police also confirmed that parents of the youths may face legal action under the Child Protection Act for allowing their children to engage in criminal behaviour.
Investigators are conducting background checks to identify prior offences in order to seek enhanced penalties. The motorcycle used in the incident has been seized as evidence.
Pol Col Somsak said the crackdown followed the earlier arrest of the leader of the rival ‘Sapchang’ gang, who had recently shot and injured a youth in a separate incident.
In the wake of that arrest, members of the Sapchang gang had sought to demonstrate their influence by escalating violent behaviour, including gunfire, fireworks and destruction of property, he said..
“Wichit Police are determined to take decisive legal action against all perpetrators, as well as the parents who enabled this criminal activity,” Pol Col Somsak said.
The investigation continues as officers pursue remaining gang members still at large.