Seven Teen Suspects Arrested Within Hours of Patong Shooting

Phuket police have arrested seven teenagers allegedly involved in a shooting and assault in Patong that left a 17-year-old boy critically injured and another teenager hurt.

The arrests followed an earlier incident reported on August 22, when a group of more than 20 youths reportedly gathered along Phra Baramee Road opposite a hotel in Patong. The confrontation escalated into violence, with one teenager suffering a gunshot wound to the neck and a 15-year-old boy being injured in a physical assault.

According to Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, the incident happened in the early hours of August 22. The attackers reportedly fled the scene on motorcycles in the direction of Kathu after the shooting.

Police launched an investigation immediately after the incident. Officers collected statements from witnesses and reviewed CCTV recordings, including footage from the Phuket Eyes surveillance network. Investigators reportedly identified a local youth gang from Kathu as being connected to the confrontation, with the group believed to have had an earlier dispute with the victims.

Police said the investigation progressed quickly. By around 8:30pm on the same day — approximately 19 hours after the shooting — officers had located and arrested seven suspects believed to have been involved.

Authorities are continuing to search for one more teenager who is believed to have links to the attack.

Police also confirmed that any minors found to have participated in the incident will be processed according to Thailand’s juvenile justice procedures.

Following the arrests, provincial authorities stressed that the case also highlights the need for stronger measures to prevent violence involving young people. Officials said they would step up efforts to combat illegal firearms and expand community-based programmes aimed at preventing teenagers from becoming involved in gangs and other criminal activity.