Bangkok police dismantle gang after street shooting

Police in Bangkok disbanded a gang following a shooting incident involving 16 shots fired on a street in Nong Chok. The shooting was reportedly provoked by a rival gang.

Commander of the Metropolitan Police Division 3, Major General Kiatikul Sonthinen, alongside his associates today collaborated with the Metropolitan Investigation Team to track down and arrest a gang leader, Suphanat, also known as Bang Sin.

He was apprehended in Klong Sip Song Subdistrict, Nong Chok District, Bangkok. The arrest was made under a warrant issued by the Minburi Criminal Court, charging him with attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, carrying firearms in public without permission, and discharging firearms without justifiable cause.

The police seized two rifles, 18 helmets, and clothes used during the incident. The case began on May 31, when a gang of 11 individuals on seven unregistered motorcycles, all wearing full-face helmets, fired 16 shots at a rival group in front of a restaurant in Bangkok.

The shooting caused panic among residents, who took cover to avoid stray bullets. Fortunately, no one was injured.

Four suspects were initially detained by Nong Chok Police after their motorcycles collided, resulting in their injuries. The investigation revealed that Suphanat was the gang leader and Chanapat, known as Kim, was the shooter. Arrest warrants were issued for both individuals.

Safehouse raided

The gang’s meeting area was pinpointed to a location on the outskirts of Bangkok. This morning, authorities led an operation to conduct searches at two locations and captured Suphanat in a safe house.

The safe house was identified as a regular gathering spot for former vocational students in the area. Although most members were no longer students, they continued to congregate there.

During the interrogation, Suphanat confessed to all charges. He explained that on the night of the incident, he and his group were riding motorcycles when they encountered another group, who according to Suphanat, made an offensive gesture, leading to the gunfight.

He disposed of the firearms afterwards, knowing the police would pursue him. He expressed no intention of resisting arrest due to fear of being shot by the police.

Suphanat insisted that the gatherings at the safe house were merely social events involving kratom juice consumption and not for any illegal activities. He also noted that the numerous helmets found at the house belonged to visitors who often left them behind.

After the arrest, Suphanat was handed over to Nong Chok Police Station for legal proceedings, reported Khaosod.