Gun-toting Phuket Town gang, druggies busted

PHUKET: Police swept up a Phuket Town gang yesterday after arresting three men and three minors in possession of illegal firearms and ya ice (crystal methamphetamine).

“Col Sermphan Sirikong and his team seized a Norinco 9mm Glock, another 9mm handgun, three 9mm magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and 200 grams of ya ice,” Lt Col Somsak Thongkliang told the Phuket Gazette.

Krirkchai Boonrit, 24; Kiatsak Weerachote, 20; Kanawat Tingwai, 19; and three teens, who police did not name because they are minors, were all caught after the group allegedly attacked and beat a 15-year-old.

The 15-year-old, given the pseudonym “Phong” by police, had arrived at Mr Krirkchai’s house to collect a debt of 1,000 baht.

Mr Phong told the police that when he entered the house on Soi Surin 2, the group was taking ya ice. They forced him to take off his shirt, hit him in the face with one of the guns and then beat him until he fled the premises, he said.

Mr Krirkchai’s older brother gave access to the house after Mr Phong reported the incident to police.

“Mr Krirkchai confessed that the firearms were his. He said he needed them because he was involved in battles with many other local gangs,” Col Somsak said.

Mr Krirkchai was charged for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and possession of a Category 1 Drug.

The others arrested were charged for using a Category 1 Drug, confirmed Col Somsak.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong