Chiang Rai police arrest youth gang leader and 18 others

Chiang Rai police apprehended the ringleader of a youth gang involved in a series of violent disturbances across the city, along with 18 other individuals. The group had been engaged in random assaults, property damage, and detonating explosive devices on city streets.

The incidents occurred near the Baan Den intersection, in front of Mengrai Maharaj School, in Mu 5, Nang Lae subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Rai district. The disturbances began around 12.45am yesterday, October 24.

Chiang Rai Provincial Police Commander Manop Senakun ordered Ananchak Kanoknoppawat, Ban Du Police Station chief, and Natthawut Kaewseub, Baan Du police investigator, to track down and arrest the perpetrators.

Investigations revealed the gang leader, identified as Wave (a pseudonym), is an 18 year old resident of Tha Sai, Mueang district, Chiang Rai. Ban Du police, in collaboration with Mueang Chiang Rai police, conducted a raid at Wave’s residence, where his mother identified herself as the homeowner.

Inside, police found Wave and two companions. A search of the house uncovered a homemade firearm, a knuckleduster hidden under a mattress, and numerous knives stashed in various locations. The officers seized the weapons and detained the suspects.

By today, Chiang Rai police had tracked down additional individuals involved in the disturbances, including Opal, a 16 year old who threw the explosive device. The total number of apprehended suspects reached 18, as indicated by video footage circulated in news reports.

Police have almost identified all the gang members. Manop announced plans to summon the parents of the involved youths for a session aimed at counselling and reshaping their attitudes, reported KhaoSod.

A source disclosed that currently, there are five active gangs in the area: the Chantra gang, Noway gang, Thong Khiao gang, Suea Sam Sahai gang, and Chang Benz gang.

These groups frequently gather to instigate fights, ride motorcycles loudly, and ambush other youths, often without any affiliation with rival gangs. They typically congregate at various event venues around the city.