Phatthalung City Police launched a late-night operation to surround and arrest 26 members of a 'Dek Waen' gang. Charges were filed against both drivers and passengers, emphasizing a firm escalation of enforcement. Previously, efforts focused on warnings and prevention, but ongoing legal challenges remain.
At 3:00 a.m. recently, officers from Phatthalung City Police Station conducted a crackdown on groups of youths gathering to ride motorcycles causing disturbances along Phetkasem Road on the Asia Intersection Overpass in Phatthalung municipality. They arrested 26 individuals and seized 12 motorcycles, prosecuting both riders and passengers without exception.
Under the direction of Pol. Col. Somprat Krankanon, Chief of Phatthalung City Police, over 20 officers planned to intercept at known hotspots where 'Dek Waen' groups gather. They closed roads and pursued multiple motorcycles driven recklessly without regard for the safety of others.
Among those detained were youths aged 14 to 16, plus one aged 20, including 17 males and 9 females, many still in school. Searches uncovered e-cigarettes and kratom liquid hidden in some vehicles, which were confiscated for further investigation.
During the arrests, a 14-year-old girl verbally abused and mocked officers, admitting she joined the gathering out of recklessness, despite having been arrested for similar offenses just the week before.
Initially, authorities charged all drivers with "reckless driving endangering the lives or bodies of others," while passengers were charged with "aiding in the offense." They were detained and sent to investigators for legal proceedings, with further investigations ongoing regarding possession of e-cigarettes and kratom liquid for possible additional offenses.
The Chief of Phatthalung City Police emphasized that although previous efforts focused on warnings and prevention, continued legal challenges necessitated a serious escalation of law enforcement, especially prosecuting both drivers and passengers to set a precedent and promote shared responsibility.
Police confirmed they will continue strict crackdowns on 'Dek Waen' groups in the area to ensure public safety and maintain order within Phatthalung municipality.