Phuket teenager triggers trouble with museum shooting

The Phuket authorities apprehended a 17 year old boy yesterday after he allegedly shot a 16-year-old boy near the Phuket Mining Museum.

The incident was reported to the police around 1.35am, when the young victim was targeted whilst riding his motorcycle. An unidentified man in a white pickup truck approached him and fired a shot, hitting the teenager in his left arm.

Quickly after the incident, the boy returned home to Kathu where his mother rushed him to Patong Hospital for immediate medical attention. He was subsequently discharged after receiving the necessary treatment.

In the early hours of yesterday, the boy and his mother reported the crime at Kathu Police Station. Following an investigation, which included a thorough examination of CCTV footage from the area surrounding the crime scene, law enforcement officers were able to identify and apprehend the culprit today.

The police disclosed that the weapon used in the crime was a stolen Thai-made pistol which fired .38 caliber ammunition.

The investigation was supervised by Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, Phuket Provincial Police Commander, who was assisted by Pol. Col. Akanit Phithaksat, Deputy Commander of Phuket Police; Pol. Col. Rungrit Rattanaphakdee, Superintendent of Kathu Police Station; and Pol. Col. Ekkalak Bunsaengcharoen, Superintendent of Phuket Police.

The arrest was executed by Pol. Lt. Col. Chayaphon. Phunaruemit, Deputy Superintendent from Kathu Police Station, accompanied by fellow Kathu Police officers.

Further investigations have revealed that a dispute had taken place at the PTT gas station in Pa Khlok, involving four young boys on bikes and some other youths in a white Isuzu pickup truck, prior to the shooting. The pickup truck then followed the youngsters before the shooting ensued near the Phuket Tin Mine Museum site in Kathu.

In addition to the primary suspect, the police also interrogated another five individuals connected with the incident. However, they have not disclosed whether any charges will be pressed against these individuals.

The law enforcement officers confirmed that the 17 year old boy, who had fired the gun, is now in custody at the Thalang Police Station. He is expected to face a series of charges in due course.

These include possession of firearms and ammunition without permission, jointly attempting to cause harm to others, and carrying firearms into towns, villages, or public roads without permission and reasonable cause.