BANGKOK, Thailand – Police have arrested three juveniles, aged 11 to 14, who used a fake gun and a knife to rob a 17-year-old student in broad daylight at Kham Poo Market in Soi Pattanakarn 20, Suan Luang district on August 20. The robbery, captured on video and shared by a popular Facebook page, took place in a busy area, causing shock among local vendors and bystanders.
The video shows two boys wearing full-face helmets threatening a high school student with what appeared to be a gun, demanding his valuables and searching his school bag. One of the robbers held the gun to the victim while the other rifled through his belongings. The terrified student pleaded to get his school bag back but was continuously threatened by the robbers. The incident occurred in a crowded area near the market around 4:00 PM, just after school had ended, leaving bystanders, including vendors, shocked and fearful.
Following the incident, police from Khlong Tan Police Station arrested two of the juveniles, both 14 years old, early this morning. The third suspect, an 11-year-old boy who was the getaway driver on a motorcycle, was apprehended the previous day. The police took all three into custody for questioning.
The father of the victim accompanied his son to file a police report at Khlong Tan Police Station. He recounted how his son came home in distress after the robbery, explaining that three boys, disguised in helmets, had approached him, threatening him with a knife and gun before stealing his school bag and watch. Although the bag contained no valuables, the son was initially too frightened to report the incident. After reconsidering, they decided to file a police report to ensure the culprits were caught.
Police Colonel Wachirakorn Wongboon, Superintendent of Khlong Tan Police Station, stated that the three suspects had previously been brought in for profiling due to inappropriate behavior, though they had not committed any crimes at the time. This recent incident is the first time they have been involved in a serious crime. The suspects are not enrolled in school, and the motorcycle used in the robbery belongs to a relative. The juveniles are currently facing charges of robbery, and after questioning, they will be sent to the Central Juvenile and Family Court.
Local vendors were hesitant to speak to reporters, citing fear of retaliation, as the young suspects are known troublemakers in the area, frequently involved in fights with other youths, though not typically with firearms. (TNA)
