Noisy Phuket teens survive shotgun blast

PHUKET: A teenage couple out joyriding and lighting off firecrackers last night sustained injuries from a shotgun blast that police think was intended as a warning shot.

Phuket City Police received a 191 emergency report of the shooting just before midnight.

Phuket City Police Superintendent Wanchai Ekpornpit led officials to the scene in front to the Rachada Pub, located along Bangyai Canal on Takuapa Road in Phuket Town.

By the time they arrived the victims had already been rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital for treatment.

They were later identified as Phuket residents Ayuwat Ruengnak, 15, and his female partner Sumontha Khamkaew, 16.

Witnesses told police that the victims were among a number of teenagers who passed by the area on motorcycles once, setting off firecrackers as they passed.

When the gang came by again the sound of a shotgun blast was heard.

The young couple managed to drive on to Vachira Phuket Hospital, where Mr Ayuwat was treated for five shotgun pellet wounds to the torso and Ms Sumontha for a single wound to the hand.

A search of the area where the shooting took place failed to uncover any evidence that might help identify the shooter.

They believe the weapon was a homemade shotgun.

Police think the shot was probably fired as a warning, possibly by someone fed up with the racket the youths were making at such a late hour.

Mr Ayuwat admitted to police that he and his friends were riding around and playing with firecrackers to amuse themselves.

Phuket Town residents should brace themselves for the sound of exploding firecrackers, as shrines around the island are busy preparing for the annual Vegetarian Festival that officially begins on October 8.

Scores of people are injured every year by fireworks during the annual festival.

As in years past, police have warned they will arrest anyone found selling firecrackers without a license. They also say their use should be restricted to traditional shrine activities or street processions.