The Director-General of the Juvenile Observation and Protection Department ordered the development of a prevention and response plan after youths at Ban Karuna Training Center formed groups and stabbed each other, causing injuries. The conflict is believed to stem from hostility and suspicion that one side was acting as an informant during a staff raid of the dormitories at the center.
A Facebook page named “NAKON 45 Anyawut Pho Ampai” posted an urgent message stating, “Urgent!! Ruam Katanyu rescue team is supporting the situation at Ban Karuna Youth Training Center where a disturbance has occurred, and several people are injured.”
At 15:00 on 22 Mar 2016, Mr. Komol Prompeng, Director-General of the Juvenile Observation and Protection Department, revealed that the incident was a longstanding conflict between two groups of male youths. This escalated into a group fight this afternoon within the Ban Karuna Male Youth Training and Rehabilitation Center in Bang Pla Subdistrict, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province.
Looking back to 19 Mar, he learned from an insider at the center that some male youths were smuggling prohibited items into the facility. Authorities had previously found mobile phones, confirming that youths were secretly bringing contraband into the center. That evening at 19:00, he, together with Ms. Preeda Wisaroj, Deputy Director-General of the Juvenile Observation and Protection Department, led 14 central officers in a meeting with the Chief of Bang Phli Police Station and over 20 police officers to discuss the behavior before jointly conducting a raid and search of all four dormitories.
During the search, police found one mobile phone, tobacco, and detected drugs in some youths’ urine tests, including cannabis, methamphetamine, and ketamine. Each dormitory had varying amounts of contraband. After completing the raid and documentation around 22:00, he admitted that searches were limited to dormitories due to the nighttime operation. Other areas outside the dormitories were not searched, but it was believed contraband might still be hidden there. Plans were made to conduct another raid during daytime in the following days, but the brawl occurred beforehand.
Following the 19 Mar raid, the group that was disadvantaged—or possibly those who had introduced the prohibited items—became suspicious and hostile, believing another group was informing authorities, leading to the raid and discovery of contraband. Today, the disadvantaged group gathered and attacked the other group, whom they believed acted as informants during daytime activities.
Mr. Komol said initial reports indicate that 20 youths were involved in the incident, with six directly committing offenses. Seven youths were injured by stabbing with improvised weapons such as spoons during daytime activities on a holiday. All injured were taken to Bang Phli, Bang Bo, and Samut Prakan hospitals for treatment. The department is awaiting further medical reports but initial assessments indicate injuries are not severe.
Regarding the offenders, he ordered their temporary detention at Samut Prakan Central Prison. The center director was tasked with investigating the disciplinary violations, and once completed, filing charges against those responsible. For offenders under 18, appropriate juvenile measures will apply; those over 18 will face adult legal penalties.
Currently, the situation is calm, with the incident contained since 13:45. Officials are meeting to develop detailed search plans to prevent future escalation. He also ordered the segregation of at-risk youths into different dormitories. The Juvenile Observation and Protection Department prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of children and youths under its care.