Saphan Hin gunfight leaves one dead

SAPHAN HIN: One youth was killed and three others injured following a gunfight with police that took place at about 1 am Sunday morning.

Phuket City Police officers Maj Vichak Tarom and Sen Sgt Maj Suthon Pakdee were on patrol near the roundabout at Saphan Hin when the shooting took place.

Maj Vichak told the Gazette that the officers saw a gang of youths riding on about 10 motorbikes open fire on members of a rival gang who were sitting at the roundabout.

The officers yelled at the motorcycle gang to cease firing, but the youths turned their weapons on the officers, he said.

The officers returned fire. When it was over, four youths had sustained gunshot wounds and one Honda Wave motorcycle crashed in the middle of the street.

One of the youths, identified as 20-year-old Sutham Pejheng, died at the scene from shots fired by the motorcycle gang. His friend, Dueanporn Budtnark, 16, was also wounded, Maj Vichak said.

The two members of the motorcycle gang shot by police were Jakrapong Kaimarn, 20, and Aekchai Mekruang, 23, who was hit once in his left leg and once in his abdomen. His injuries were described as critical.

Police are still collecting evidence and questioning suspects. The officers declined to provide more details of the shooting until arrests are made.