Pattaya Police Bust Armed Teenager in High-Stakes Raids

Strategic Insights -

A late-night gathering turned into a high-stakes bust when Pattaya police swooped on a park full of youths, discovering a 19-year-old armed to the teeth and ready for a gang clash. At around 3am on July 12, Pattaya City Police received reports of a large group of young people causing a commotion near the Meteorological Department's weather forecasting office on Phratamnak Hill. Police officers, led by Police Colonel Anek Sarathongyoo and under the command of Police Lieutenant Kittisuk Suthinitatwong, Deputy Inspector of Pattaya City Police, moved in to disperse the gathering. One teenager, identified as 19-year-old Witthawat Phukyod, was found with a homemade 9mm pistol, an extra 9mm round, and a pocketknife. Witthawat was detained and escorted to Pattaya City Police Station for questioning, where he admitted to buying the gun from a friend and fearing a violent confrontation with a rival gang. He was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and carrying a weapon in public without permission.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 20 youths, aged between 15 and 25, were found congregating in the park, sparking concerns about potential gang activity.
  • A 19-year-old suspect, Witthawat Phukyod, was detained with a homemade 9mm pistol, an extra 9mm round, and a pocketknife.
  • Witthawat claimed he bought the gun from a friend and was hiding it for self-defence, fearing a confrontation with a rival gang.
  • Police have launched an investigation to trace the source of the homemade pistol and warn anyone involved in manufacturing or supplying illegal weapons will face severe consequences.
  • Patrols in Pattaya will be stepped up to crack down on similar groups, with efforts to keep public spaces safe from gang activity and armed violence.

Statistics:

  • 20+ youths were found congregating in the park on Phratamnak Hill.
  • 1 homemade 9mm pistol, 1 extra 9mm round, and 1 pocketknife were seized from Witthawat Phukyod.
  • 1 19-year-old suspect, Witthawat Phukyod, was detained and charged with illegal possession of a firearm and carrying a weapon in public without permission.

Sources:

  • The Pattaya News