Police Hunt Reckless Youth Gang That Shot at Reporter While Eating at Restaurant in Phatthalung
Armed youths on motorcycles fired weapons at a reporter and diners at a Phatthalung restaurant early May 25, prompting police to hunt a gang led by the son of a retired officer. No injuries were reported, but residents are demanding authori
Police are intensifying efforts to apprehend a group of reckless teenagers who opened fire on a local news reporter and residents at a dog meat restaurant in downtown Phatthalung. Residents are terrified and have urged authorities to crack down seriously on armed youth gangs.
The incident occurred at 12:40 AM on May 25, 2569, when motorcycle-riding youths fired weapons at a table of a local reporter and civilians inside a dog meat restaurant on Phadung Don Yao Road in Phatthalung Municipality, causing panic among patrons. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the incident caused considerable fear and left residents feeling unsafe in the town center. People are calling on police to take aggressive action against armed youth groups.
Most recently, Col. Somprach Karnkanant, commander of Phatthalung City Police Station, along with forensic and investigative officers, inspected the crime scene and collected evidence including bullet casings and weapon fragments from both revolvers and shotguns.
Based on CCTV footage analysis, police have identified the perpetrators as a gang led by "Namo," son of a retired police officer, with local reporter Nitikorn as the target. Police suspect the motive stems from dissatisfaction with news coverage, as the news team has continuously reported on youth gang activities in the area. However, authorities have not ruled out the involvement of other individuals behind the scenes.
One of the perpetrators is a 16-year-old with a criminal history including attempted murder and three gun-related cases. The youth had previously been released on bail under juvenile law before committing this offense again. Police stated they will use the pattern of repeated offenses to oppose bail in the future to prevent further incidents.
Nitikorn, the local reporter, expressed concern about the attack, noting that it represents a serious occupational hazard that requires him to work in the field day and night. He believes the perpetrators show no respect for the law and has called on police to seriously and genuinely take action to suppress armed youth gangs and ensure safety for residents and media workers in the area.
