Phuket police say no evidence youth gangs are behind territorial graffiti

Phuket police say investigations have found no evidence that youth gangs are using spray-painted markings to claim territory, despite regular disturbances involving groups of teenagers.

Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum said the groups moved between Phuket Town, Thalang and Wichit at night. He said they generally rode around like typical teenagers and did not plan to fight, with disputes usually arising from arguments over staring, women or other personal conflicts.

“These groups, at night, just ride around like typical teenagers. They don’t plan to fight each other; it’s mostly just arguments, face-to-face,” Pol Maj Gen Sinlert said.

Officers told The Phuket News that teenagers regularly gather at known locations, cause disturbances and clash with rivals. In some cases, they carry firearms and homemade weapons. Police have increased night-time checkpoints and searches at known gathering areas.

Wichit Police said officers can catch more than 10 offenders during Friday and Saturday night operations, and sometimes more than 20. Wichit Police Deputy Chief Pol Lt Col Wutthiwat Liangboonjinda said youths from across Phuket regularly gather around Khlong Mudong and Laem Dinso.