Three Teens Surrender in Brutal Attack on Disabled Youth
Three teenagers have surrendered to police for their roles in a brutal August assault on a disabled youth at a park in Kalasin Province, claiming it was revenge for a bottle thrown at their house.
The ringleader and two other teenagers have surrendered to police with two knives used in the attack. Nearly 10 youths assaulted a disabled male youth with stabbings, punches, and kicks, causing brain swelling and bleeding. The victim required emergency surgery and remains in intensive care but is out of immediate danger. The incident occurred at Rak Somdej Public Park in Somdej District, Kalasin Province on the afternoon of August 31. The victim's father has filed a complaint with the Kalasin Justice Center, and video footage was shared on social media.
On September 8, Deputy Sub-Lieutenant Wichian Jongharn, the investigating officer at Somdej Police Station, revealed that the guardian brought the 16-year-old ringleader and two youths aged 17 and 15 to surrender with two knives and gave statements. They claimed it was old revenge after the victim's group threw a bottle at their house, so they tracked him down to the park and attacked him without knowing he was disabled, intending only to teach him a lesson.
Deputy Sub-Lieutenant Wichian stated that because the perpetrators are minors, police must gather witness testimony, physical evidence, and medical certificates before making arrests. Police have monitored the group closely throughout and acted transparently. Initial charges are "jointly assaulting another person causing serious injury." The suspects were handed over to the Kalasin Juvenile and Youth Court for legal proceedings.
The guardian stated he initially did not know his son was involved in the assault and had prayed it was not him. Upon seeing the social media clip showing his son in the group of attackers, he was shocked and decided to bring his son to surrender. He acknowledged poor discipline and apologized to the victim and society.
