Four injured in chaotic Phatthalung street shootout

A shootout between two rival youth gangs on a street in Phatthalung left four individuals injured, including a 17 year old boy in critical condition with a bullet lodged in his chest.

According to police reports, the incident occurred around 2am yesterday, September 23 on the Khlong Muay-Kong Ra Road in Village 7, Khlong Sai Khao subdistrict, Kong Ra district.

Law enforcement officials from the forensic unit arrived to collect evidence. They found one .357 calibre bullet casing, a shotgun cartridge base, and fragments of bullet lead. The shootout involved two groups of teenagers, resulting in injuries to four people – two 17 year old boys and two 15 year old girls.

All the injured were initially taken to Kong Ra Hospital before being transferred to Phatthalung Hospital for further treatment. One of the boys is in critical condition and had to undergo emergency surgery to remove a bullet from his right chest area.

A resident who witnessed the incident described the chaotic scene.

“We heard continuous gunfire, more than 10 shots. Initially, we thought it was someone firing into the air, not realising it was a shootout between two groups.”

The police investigation revealed that the altercation began around 2am when two 17 year old boys, identified as Wat and Phon (nicknames), were waiting by the roadside and opened fire on a rival group. This rival group, which consisted of around 10 individuals on seven motorcycles, returned fire. During the exchange, two 15 year old boys (unnamed) were hit by bullets, said another nearby resident.

“The incident unfolded quickly. We heard the first set of shots, followed by a barrage of over 10 more shots. It was terrifying,”

The local police are now piecing together the events that led to the violent confrontation. Eyewitnesses provided crucial information, confirming the sounds of gunfire in two distinct bursts.

The violent clash has raised concerns about youth gang activity in the area. The police are intensifying their efforts to curb such incidents and ensure the safety of residents. Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help prevent future conflicts, reported KhaoSod.