Authorities in northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai province are raising red flags over gangs of teenagers who are committing heinous crimes in 4 districts. Police are targeting 17 gangs, keeping an eye on them to prevent them from causing further harm.
Teen gangs have became a hot topic on Thai social media after Chiang Mai Provincial Police posted information about 17 gangs of teenagers causing chaos in Chiang Mai. Police are monitoring the gangs and their leaders.
The Chiang Mai Juvenile Detention Center, reports that many of the youth gangs have physically harmed their rivals, especially the Bang gang, which is being watched closely.
Dr. Thoetthum Adisaidechrin, Director of the Chiang Mai Juvenile Observation and Protection Center, says that in the past 3 years, there has been an increase in youths committing crimes. Most juvenile delinquents who enter detention have caused physical harm to others, such as attacking an opponent with a knife, fighting, and attempted murder.
He said according to the statistics of juvenile detention centers nationwide, most of the perpetrators are drug offenders, but in Chiang Mai, there are more juveniles who commit assault than drug offenders.
He said many of the juvenile offenders suffer from mental health problems, a lack of patience, selfishness, and an attitude of wanting a high income without working. Their highest education level is around Mathayom 3.
Resolving the problem of youths gangs in Chiang Mai is difficult because behavior correction and rehabilitation must be in accordance with the period ordered by the court, which is only about 3-6 months. When their detention ends they are released back into their original environment.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchai Phongwiwatchai, Commander of Chiang Mai Provincial Police spoke to the Thairath about the measures to monitor the operations of the teen gangs that are causing fights and creating disturbances in various areas of Chiang Mai Province.
He said the gathering of teenagers in Chiang Mai Province, riding motorcycles around and causing incidents and assaulting people, continues to create fear among the public. Despite the police have taken decisive action in arresting and prosecuting them, it seems that there are still many groups of teenagers gathering together.
The Chiang Mai Provincial Police plans to take strict measures in registering and closely monitoring these juvenile gangs in order to deter behavior that poses a threat to society and create safety for the public.
The 17 gangs in Chiang Mai being investigated:
1. Bang Gang (Ban Bang), which has approximately 25 members in the group, who have previously committed assaults and robberies in the Chang Phueak and San Kamphaeng Police Station area. Currently, the group leader and some members have been prosecuted.
2. So Hot Gang (Hang Dong District), approximately 12 members in the group, who are currently being monitored for any potential group gatherings.
3. Son Joe Rising Star Gang (San Sai District), approximately 13 members, who previously committed murders in the Mae Jo Police Station area. Currently, the group leader and members are detained in prison.
4. Pha Taek Gang (Mae Jo area, San Sai District), whose gathering location is uncertain, approximately 14 members, who previously caused a fight on Tha Pae Square on January 7, 2024. Currently, 7 members are in a juvenile detention center.
5. Madam Gang (Black Dog), approximately 14 members, who previously caused a fight on Tha Pae Square in December 2023. The group leader is currently in prison.
6. The Black Lotus Gang, with approximately 14 members, has previously caused a fight at the Tha Pae area and the Doi Saket Police Station. The group leader is currently in prison.
7. The SPT Gang, gathering place in San Pa Tong District, with approximately 7 members, is currently under surveillance and monitoring.
8. The HR San Pa Tong Gang, with 13 members, on February 1, 2024, used a gun to shoot and kill someone in Lamphun Province. Some members are currently in prison.
9. The TM Doi Lo Gang, gathering place in Doi Lo, San Pa Tong, Pa Sang, with approximately 22 members, is currently under surveillance and monitoring.
10. The Fa Ham Gang, with approximately 10 members, is currently under surveillance and monitoring of the group.
11. The RUUFFIAN Gang is considered a senior gang in terms of being elderly. There are approximately 9 members, no history of committing an act.
12. Dao-Rai gang, there are approximately 30 members. On April 27, 2024, they robbed 5 people in the area of Phu Ping Kracha Niwet Police Station. Currently, 5 members are in a juvenile detention center.
13. Bungalow gang, currently 9 members are under surveillance and monitoring.
14. Anachi gang, approximately 20 members are under surveillance and monitoring.
15. PMG Saraphi gang, meeting place: Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road (Ton Yang Road).
16. Phra Nakhon Nuea gang (Doi Saket District), currently under surveillance and monitoring.
17. Phra Nakhon Nuea gang (Doi Saket District), Group 2, approximately 10 members are currently under surveillance and monitoring.
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Geoff Thomas is an award winning journalist known for his sharp insights and no-nonsense reporting style. Over the years he has worked for Reuters and the Canadian Press covering everything from political scandals to human interest stories. He brings a clear and direct approach to his work.
